Karl-Rudolf Gassen

Dr Karl-Rudolf Gassen was appointed as Managing Director for LANXESS in South Africa in January 2011.

He was born in Recklinghausen. Dr Gassen has a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Bochum, Germany which he obtained in 1985.

In 1986 he joined Bayer as a scientist, the Research and Development department. He subsequently occupied various positions in Germany including Plant Production Manager for colours and chemicals for the textile and paper industries, Global Director of Markets for chemicals for Fine Paper and Director of Projects at Bayer Chemicals.

In 2003 he moved to Argentina following his appointment as Director of the Bayer Zarate plant. At the end of 2003, Bayer carved out its chemicals and plastics business to form an independent company, LANXESS. Dr Gassen was appointed as General Manager for LANXESS in Argentina, a position he held until December 2010.

Dr Gassen is married to Barbara.