Barentz strengthens EMEA leadership with new appointments in Italy and Performance Materials

Hoofddorp, The Netherlands, 27 July, 2026 – Barentz announces new leadership appointments in its EMEA organisation, reinforcing continuity and strengthening regional expertise across Italy and the EMEA Performance Materials Division.

Effective 1 August 2026, Roberto Villa will assume the role of Managing Director and Country Manager of Barentz Italia, alongside his current responsibilities as VP Animal Nutrition EMEA. Roberto succeeds Oliver Fox, who will conclude his tenure at Barentz as Managing Director and Country Manager of Barentz Italia and VP Performance Materials EMEA on 31 July 2026.

Oliver Fox played an important role in developing the Italian business for Barentz over more than two decades. Under his leadership, Barentz Italia grew from a start-up into a recognised player in specialty distribution across multiple lines of businees, supported by several successful acquisitions and a strong local team. Barentz thanks Oliver for his dedication and contribution to the company and wishes him and his family all the best in the future.

Roberto has been with Barentz for more than sixteen years and brings extensive experience across the specialty ingredients industry, together with deep knowledge of the Italian business and the wider EMEA organisation. In his expanded role, he will focus on ensuring business continuity, supporting the continued development of the Italian team, and further strengthening Barentz’s position as a trusted partner to customers and principals in the market.

At the same time, Cagdas Cagri will take the role of VP Performance Materials EMEA, in addition to his current position as Managing Director and Country Manager of Barentz Türkiye. Cagdas brings more than 20 years of experience in the specialty chemicals distribution business, including extensive leadership experience, and will lead the continued development of Barentz’s Performance Materials Division across the EMEA region.

These appointments reflect Barentz’s ongoing commitment to building strong regional leadership, developing internal talent, and supporting long-term growth across its business lines.

“Roberto and Cagdas are experienced leaders with strong market knowledge, proven leadership capabilities, and a deep understanding of our customers, principals, and teams,” said Sertac Surur, President Barentz EMEA. “Their expanded responsibilities will help us maintain continuity while further strengthening our leadership platform across Italy and our Performance Materials Division in EMEA.”

With these leadership appointments, Barentz continues to build on its strong regional presence in EMEA, combining local entrepreneurship, technical expertise, and close customer and principal relationships to deliver always a better solution.