Ton is best known for his time as CEO and Chair of the Executive Board at AkzoNobel NV (2012-2017), where he steered the global coatings and speciality chemicals company through a period of strategic refocus and sustainable innovation. Under his leadership, AkzoNobel earned top rankings in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and FTSE4Good, reflecting his clear emphasis on ESG integration. He also served as Chair of Burckhardt Compression AG (2020-2025).

Before joining AkzoNobel, Ton served as CEO of Sulzer AG (2007-2011), where he revitalised its pumps and turbomachinery divisions, built its China presence, and fostered cultural and operational transformation. He had advanced through senior roles at Sulzer, including divisions in Switzerland and China, and began his career in oil and gas construction engineering across Asia-Europe.

He brings deep pan-sector expertise in:

• ESG-driven industrial transformation – embedding sustainability into the product lifecycle, governance, and corporate purpose

• Strategic leadership in chemicals & engineering – scaling R&D, refining global market strategies, and delivering operational improvements

• Board governance & capital stewardship – leading executive and supervisory boards across public and private institutions

• Cross-border operations & culture management – cultivating international teams in Europe, China, and beyond

A civil engineer by training (Delft University) with an MBA from IMD, Ton is fluent in six languages and known for blending technical precision with strategic vision. A respected voice in Swiss business and global industrial circles, he delivers rare insight for leaders navigating engineering complexity, sustainability imperatives, and multinational governance.