New Vice President Asia-Pacific at Jowat

“With Leonhard Ritzhaupt, we gain a leader who combines industry expertise, international experience and strategic vision,” says Klaus Kullmann of Jowat’s Board of Directors. “We look forward to working with him and continuing the successful advancement of our business in Asia and the entire region.”

Leonhard Ritzhaupt succeeds Dr. Ralf Schelbach, who has been instrumental in the expansion of Jowat’s Asia operations since 2009 and will now assume a new role within the Jowat Group at his own request. Dr. Schelbach first joined the company as executive director of Jowat (Beijing) Adhesives Co., Ltd., took on additional responsibilities as regional manager North East Asia in February 2009, and was appointed vice president Asia-Pacific on January 1, 2014. Among the milestones of his tenure are the establishment and successful launch of the production location in Dushan, and the formation of numerous sales organizations across Southeast Asia. Jowat SE extends its thanks to Dr. Schelbach for his long-standing and successful leadership and for his dedication to the sustainable development of the Jowat Group in the region.

Leonhard Ritzhaupt brings more than two decades of international leadership experience in the chemical industry as well as global project and production management. Most recently, until the end of 2024, he served on the executive board of an internationally active manufacturer of adhesive systems and functional surface solutions, where he was responsible for worldwide sales management, strategy and market development, quality and raw materials management, risk and compliance, and led global investment and production projects.

Previously, Ritzhaupt held senior roles in plastics processing, the paints and coatings industry, and the automotive sector. He has been recognized for his economic leadership as a senator of Bundesforum Mittelstand, Germany’s federal forum for small and medium enterprises. Additionally, he was a regular guest on the board of a leading industry association and a member of its technical committee.

Leonhard Ritzhaupt says: “I look forward to working together with the local team to advance Jowat’s sustainable growth in China and to continue the successful development of the recent years.”