Michael Weiden, PhD

Global Head of Commercial

Darmstadt, Hesse, Germany

About

Result-driven experienced manager in international environment in specialty and commodity markets as well as in new business development, project management and R&D Strong customer orientation targeting long-term relationships Leadership style based on trust and commitment, acting as role model while setting clearly defined and challenging targets In-depth B2B experience with long-term proven track record and in-depth market knowledge in coatings, cosmetics, printing and plastics industries Creative and pragmatic solution provider with the capability of quickly grasping complex situations while staying focused and being persistent when required

Experience

  • Global Head of Commercial at SUSONITY
    Aug 2025 - Present · 11 mos

    Full P&L responsibility for approx. EUR 400 M, leading a global organization of 200+ employees based in 18 countries in sales, key account management, marketing, customer support, business development and e-commerce Member of the board and managing director of the German legal entity Major achievements: stabilization of organization and business in a rapidly and significantly changing environment, creating a new identity

  • Merck Gruppe (25 yrs 3 mos)
    • Vice President & General Manager EMEA Surface Solutions
      Jun 2019 - Jul 2025 · 6 yrs 2 mos

      Full P&L responsibility for EUR 160+ M for coatings, printing, plastics and cosmetics industry including customer segmentation, pricing strategy, new business development, market intelligence, external partnerships Leading team structure of 90+ people consisting of account managers as well as of regional marketing, customer service and business development Steering supply chain and R&D via clearly defined service level agreements Major achievements: implementation of new commercial setup, start of eCommerce channel, building of regional dealer networks, achieving top- and bottom-line growth beyond market developments

    • VP - Global Head Business Field Functional Solutions
      Jan 2013 - Jun 2019 · 6 yrs 6 mos

      Full P&L responsibility for EUR 100+ M business field, commercial & technical responsibility including customer segmentation, pricing strategy, business development, product pipeline, market intelligence, external partnerships Major achievements: turnaround of cosmetics business by changing go-to-market approach, realizing above-market growth and continuous double-digit CAGR for technical applications

    • Head of Global Business Unit Printing Plastics Security
      Jul 2006 - Dec 2012 · 6 yrs 6 mos

      Full P&L responsibility for the business field comprising all activities focusing on printing, plastics and security markets managing sales, marketing, R&D Integration of formerly three completely separated organizational units into one after significant headcount reduction measures, creating a new identity Major achievements: stabilization of market share with commoditized products while maintaining profitability, establishment of new pipeline for functional products and applications to create growth

  • Strategy Consultant at The Boston Consulting Group
    Mar 1997 - Apr 2000 · 3 yrs 2 mos

    Strategy Consultant with braod range of projects in banking and hightech industry Experience in strategy development, M&A, start-up development