Semperit AG Holding has appointed Richard Kelsey as a member of the Executive Board and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective November 1, 2026. He will succeed Helmut Sorger, who is leaving the company by mutual agreement at the end of October 2026 after more than four years in the role. The announcement, made via NEWMEDIAWIRE, signals a strategic move to bolster Semperit's financial leadership as it enters its next phase of growth.
Kelsey brings over 25 years of international experience in finance, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and capital markets. He most recently served as CFO of Constantia Flexibles, a leading flexible packaging provider, for more than five years, where he managed numerous international transactions and transformation projects. Prior to that, he was Head of M&A at Constantia, leading the group's acquisition activities. His earlier roles include managing cross-border M&A projects at Raiffeisen Investment and working as an equity analyst at Cazenove in London. His term on the Semperit Executive Board will run until October 31, 2029.
Supervisory Board Chairman Cord Prinzhorn emphasized the importance of the appointment: “With Richard Kelsey, we have gained a CFO who combines extensive M&A expertise with in-depth knowledge of the capital markets. Together with Manfred Stanek and Gerfried Eder, our Executive Board is exceptionally well-positioned to successfully shape Semperit’s next phase of growth. Our shared goal is to further strengthen the company’s position and thus create additional long-term value for our shareholders.”
The leadership change comes at a critical juncture for Semperit, an internationally oriented group that develops, produces, and sells high-quality elastomer products for industrial customers in over 100 countries. With around 4,000 employees and 15 production sites worldwide, the company generated revenue of EUR 662.4 million and EBITDA of EUR 79.5 million in the 2025 financial year. Kelsey's expertise in M&A and capital markets is expected to be instrumental in driving Semperit's growth strategy, particularly as the company seeks to expand its market presence and enhance shareholder value.
Prinzhorn also acknowledged Helmut Sorger's contributions: “Helmut Sorger has played a decisive role in driving and shaping Semperit’s transformation and successful realignment. In addition to refining the strategic direction and investment story, his focus on lean structures, cost discipline and value creation has sustainably strengthened the Group’s profitability and competitiveness. The boost in profitability in the current 2026 financial year reflects this course.” Sorger's departure marks the end of a period characterized by improved profitability and a clearer strategic focus.
As Semperit moves forward, Kelsey's appointment is seen as a key step in ensuring continuity and leveraging financial expertise to capitalize on growth opportunities. For more information about Semperit, visit www.semperitgroup.com.
