LogiChem EU 2025
March 18 - 20, 2025
Postillion Hotel & Convention Centre WTC Rotterdam
Day 1 | 18th March
8:00 am - 8:40 am
Registration and Welcome Coffee
8:40 am - 8:50 am
Welcome Remarks: Gabriela Martins da Silva, LogiChem Director, WBR
8:50 am - 9:00 am
Chairperson's Opening Address
Trish Lynch -
Chairwoman,
LogiChem
Empowering Future Leaders
9:00 am - 9:20 am
Opening Keynote: How Dow empowers its people and implements digitalisation across the organisation to create future-ready leadership that effectively navigates complexities and competitiveness of the global chemical market
Nestor de Mattos -
Chief Supply Chain Officer,
Dow Chemical Company
- Leadership Evolution (new skills): Explore how future leaders can effectively integrate people and software to drive results.
- Balancing Act: Techniques for managing multiple, often conflicting, organizational needs.
- Competitive Edge: Building a resilient and competitive organization through innovative leadership and partnerships.
- Digitalization Synergy: Strategies for maximizing human potential within digital transformation initiatives.
Securing European Competitiveness
9:20 am - 10:00 am
Panel Discussion: How can you build an agile supply chain and strengthen resilience to increase market share and compete with North American and APAC prices and industry growth?
Frank Hildebrandt -
Global Supply Chain Director Excellence and Domestic Delivery Services,
BASF
Hossam Khamis -
Director Supply Chain Africa, Middle East and India,
Lyondell Basell
Ralf Hilpert -
Vice President Performance and Projects for SCM Smart Materials,
Evonik
Eileen Smythe -
Vice President Supply Chain Americas,
Arkema
- What is the current impact of elections in the US on supply chain tax, duties, trade relations, transportation and border regulations?
- How is the European chemical manufacturing market comparing to US & APAC production and what is the competitive landscape?
- What is the growth prediction for the chemical industry in 2025 and what needs to happen for our industry to secure stable growth and resilience?
Frank Hildebrandt
Global Supply Chain Director Excellence and Domestic Delivery ServicesBASF
Building Effective Cost Management
9:20 am - 10:00 am
Panel Discussion: How can you balance multiple conflicting needs of the Antwerp Declaration while also adhering to the Green Deal and staying competitive – is it possible?
Nestor de Mattos -
Chief Supply Chain Officer,
Dow Chemical Company
Hanno Bruemmer -
Executive Vice President Supply Chain and Logistics,
Covestro
Petra Wood -
Project Director Supply Chain, Circular Economy,
Eastman
- How to align sustainability initiatives with productivity and profitability without compromising service levels
- How to best represent industry needs to influence EU chemical and logistics policy and advocate for the result we need to regain industry momentum and growth
- What tactics can help maintain high service levels and on-time delivery while adhering to environmental regulations and objectives?
- How to maintain competitiveness in a green economy and balance financial performance with sustainability commitments
Sponsored by: Maersk
Rethinking Your Asset Optimisation Strategy
10:20 am - 10:40 am
Interview: How to optimise strategies for product asset management to achieve visibility, flexibility and competitiveness in the backdrop of looming industry downturn
Trish Lynch -
Chairwoman,
LogiChem
Robert Mwasaru -
Director Product Asset Management,
Borealis
- What strategies can help you produce products in multiple locations to increase visibility and flexibility?
- What’s the best way to ensure your logistics network is as competitive as possible, and regain competitive advantage overall in Europe?
- How to update your supply chain strategy to ensure your product portfolio and sourcing facilities are ready to face global challenges
10:40 am - 11:20 am
Morning Coffee Break
Building Resilient Supply Chains
11:40 am - 12:00 pm
Case Study: How to integrate your planning function with insights from customer service, product asset management, and sales to achieve maximum cost optimisation
Jason Thorne -
Senior Vice President Integrated Business Planning,
Nouryon
- How to use predictive models to optimise stock levels, reduce excess inventory and improve order fulfilment
- How to define key performance indicators related to inventory turnover, service levels, and cost efficiency
- What’s the best way to regularly review performance and adjust strategies collaboratively
12:00 pm - 12:20 pm
Case Study: How to build innovative, value-driven partnerships with ports across Europe to enhance visibility, scheduling, and performance
- What digital tools are ports using to enhance transparency and visibility between all parties you can easily adapt into your portfolio?
- How to build a port network alliance that smooths cargo flow processes, maximises available infrastructure and resists port delays
- What’s the potential for ports across Europe to connect with intermodal transport, road infrastructure and warehouse infrastructure for a smoother experience for all partners
Sponsored by: Port of Rotterdam
12:20 pm - 12:40 pm
Case Study: How to optmise data management for a more digitally advanced intermodal strategy that will lay the roadmap for future resilience
Frederick Ronse -
Founder, Chief Evangelist,
Ovinto
- How to achieve data integrity and unlock actionable insights for logistics and distribution
- How to create a transformative foundational data strategy that will enable your business to adopt more advanced tools in visibility, track and trace and performance management
- How to encourage E2E collaboration and remove internal data bottlenecks and take your supply chain network to the next level
Sponsored by: Ovinto
12:40 pm - 1:55 pm
Networking Lunch
12:40 pm - 1:55 pm
Lunch Masterclass
Maximising Inventory Planning
Track A - Planning
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm Case Study: How to use real-time data of raw materials, warehousing, asset availability and mobility to achieve precise inventory mapping and utilisation Jens Imbeck - Head of Supply Chain Management, Biesterfeld- How to implement raw material tracking to improve inventory accuracy and application of circular economy and alternative feedstocks
- What’s the best way to minimise discrepancies and make informed decisions on ordering and repurposing materials
- How to achieve E2E visibility, control and traceability for raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods and spare parts
- How to respond swiftly to supply chain demands to reduce stockouts and delays
Track A - Planning
2:20 pm - 2:40 pm Fireside Chat: How can you better manage global trade flows and minimise vulnerability to rising costs to cut the cost of chemical manufacturing and distribution in Europe? Emre Kaya - Supply Chain Director, Organik Kimya Pieter LeConte - Global Supply Chain Director, Tessenderlo- What are the top tips to achieve truly cost-efficient manufacturing to ensure competitiveness?
- What strategies can help chemical manufacturers optimise global trade flows to enhance efficiency, reduce delays and improve resilience?
- What tactics can help the industry reduce vulnerability to fluctuating cost, including diversifying supply sources, leveraging technology and improving risk management practises?
Track A - Planning
2:40 pm - 3:00 pm Case Study: How to avoid waste and product loss and optimise raw materials in supply chain, reduce risk and improve sustainability goals- How can you use advanced analytics for accurate demand forecasting, eco-friendly raw materials procurement and support sustainability?
- How to diversify suppliers and implement robust inventory management that mitigates disruptions and optimises raw materials levels?
- What tools optimise transportation of raw materials risk in consumable products while boosting service levels and on-time delivery?
Sponsored by: AIMMS
Making Intermodal Reliable
Track B - Logistics
1:55 pm - 2:00 pm Chair's Opening RemarksTrack B - Logistics
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm Fireside Chat: How to maintain intermodal supplier optionality and diversify transportation routes to achieve effective partnerships and smooth distribution experience Esther Freijanes Sangroniz - Supply Chain Manager, Elix Polymers Anabela Pinto - Head of Supply Chain, Bondalti- How to best use multiple suppliers transport modes and routes to diversify logistics procurement and mitigate risks
- What are the best ways intermodal can work alongside truck capacity to offer more value and cost optimisation
- How to best manage higher volumes of data received from LSPs and use it as effectively as possible to improve flow and operations
- How to be a better partner to LSPs and establish a reputation as a great partner for performance, alignment and mutual growth
Track B - Logistics
2:20 pm - 2:40 pm Fireside Chat: How can you ensure your ocean freight network is ready to meet challenges of increasingly competitive market constraints, improve bottom line and flexibility required for VUCA? Annukka Partanen - Container Shipping and Freight Forwarding Manager, Lyondell Basell Joeri Peeters - Transport and Logistics Manager, Tessenderlo- How to build ocean logistics procurement as a strategic business partner, making a significant impact on profit margins and optimise buyer-supplier relationships
- Top tips to improve service levels, cost savings and market outperformance with supplier innovation and joint product developments
- How to become the ‘customer of choice’, best evaluate supplier deals by buyers and solve challenges in managing asymmetrical relationships
Track B - Logistics
2:40 pm - 3:00 pm Case Study: How to use network and scheduling optimisation to adjust for network capacity and ensure your intermodal network is efficient and reliable Barry McNally - Vice President Liquid Logistics, Stolt-Nielsen- How to develop a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) to assist with intermodal network expansion decisions and retrofit critical rail links, establish new terminals, and expand existing ones
- How to create reliable routes for freight using road, rail and intermodal segments and terminals to address capacity uncertainties
- What’s the best way to integrate a min-max regret approach to optimize considering worst-case scenarios against disruptions?
E2E Supply Chain Management
Track C - E2E Collaboration
1:55 pm - 2:00 pm Chair's Opening RemarksTrack C - E2E Collaboration
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm Fireside Chat: How to enhance collaboration between planning, finance, and supply chain to optimise your business performance with data from different departments in real time Anna-Leona Breidbach - Head of Centre of Excellence, Supply Chain and Logistics EMLA, Covestro Adrian Cosma - Supply Chain Director Europe, Chemours- How to gain input from planning and finance to better advocate for the needs of supply chain across the wider organisation
- How to break down siles between sales and finance to better inform decisions in production, asset organisation, fixed costs, inflation and productivity
- Where to implement joint platforms and shared services between supply chain and the rest of the business to create the best outcomes during global change
Track C - E2E Collaboration
2:20 pm - 2:40 pm Case Study: How to update business processes with the latest ERP and best manage your supply chain while implementing a global transformational project Rebecca Blackwell - Global Supply Chain Director, Innospec Gavin Brown - Head of Supply Chain, EMEA, Innospec- How to leverage the latest ERP to integrate key processes, improve real-time visibility and decision making across global operations
- Best ways to support change management, adoption, minimize disruptions and prioritise ROI
Track C - E2E Collaboration
2:40 pm - 3:00 pm Case Study: How to balance multiple conflicting needs of cost management, commitment to the green deal, and reaching ambitious targets in productivity, reliability and profit- How to leverage digitisation and optimise outbound distribution networks for competitive advantage
- What’s the best way to redesign supply chain processes to reduce non-profitable complexity, prioritise efforts based on impact and contract the most high-risk asset portfolios?
- What tools can help enhance resilience through real-time management with predictive maintenance, digital twins and smart contracts to help reach ambitious targets?
Sponsored by: EFESO Management Consultants
Track D - Workshops
1:55 pm - 3:00 pm Workshop 1: Mastering the Data-Driven Supply Chain: Overcoming Procurement and Manufacturing Challenges with AI-agent systems and Digitalization for Operational ExcellenceSponsored by: Orbit Logistics
Track D - Workshops
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Workshop 2: How to harness historical data during a major foundational transformation to inform current data and better identify trends and accuracy challengesSponsored by: Uber Freight
Unlocking Planning Potential
3:00 pm - 3:20 pm Case Study: How to level-up your S&OP strategy to address market flux, competition and cost with best techniques for response and supply Tobias Mahr - Head of E2E Planning and Smart Materials, Evonik- How to identify and overcome initial challenges to implementation and adoption
- Top tips for strategic approaches and best practises to manage integration seamlessly
- How to achieve best measurable outcomes and business impact
Unlocking Planning Potential
3:20 pm - 4:00 pm Panel Discussion: How to unlock IBP and S&OP for upstream and downstream production agility that best responds to your partners and customers needs and expectations? Andrea Punzo - Global S&OP Director, Borealis- How to implement a network-based approach to IBP that unifies planning and execution across your digital network to ensure responsiveness, agility and financial performance
- How to use connected planning tools to increase visibility of instabilities, impacts and scenarios, model ‘what-if’ scenarios and align operations with desired outcomes
- How to ensure S&OP teams have a holistic view of production, supply, logistics, raw materials and partners to address customer needs and expectations effectively and achieve an robust supply chain
Enhancing Logistics Procurement
3:00 pm - 3:20 pm Case Study: A new equation and leveraging supply chains through the 75t Segments or so-called 45’/ 52’ BTCs - BASF Class Tank Containers? Samer Ghandour - Senior Manager Terminal Networks and Processes, BASF- How to turn from strategy concept to operation services
- How we managed integration of the 75t segments into the intermodal rail system and backing-up with single rail wagon system for first- and last-mile in case full load
- What’s the best way to foster engagement and better understanding within the supply chain managers, procurement logistics and raw material purchaser within the chemical industry
Samer Ghandour
Senior Manager Terminal Networks and ProcessesBASF
Enhancing Logistics Procurement
3:20 pm - 4:00 pm Panel Discussion: How to cultivate a supplier strategy that drives more value for both parties, increases transparency, rationalises digital tools and supports your wider sustainability strategy Istvan Lencz - Head of Global Logistics, Henkel Roberta Chiesura - Global Procurement Manager, Infineum Technologies Julie Duval - EU Transport Manager, Stepan- How to choose the right transportation methods to align with sustainability, regulations and performance goals
- How to implement supplier relationship management (SRM) practises to strategically build mutually beneficial relationships considering strategic and operational approaches
- How to account for supplier segmentation based on risks and opportunities, communicate specific needs, and execute a strategy driven to achieve desired outcomes in supply chain
Enhancing Partner Collaboration
3:00 pm - 3:20 pm Case Study: How to establish and maintain a successful and cooperative collaboration with your customers in the supply chain Stijn Laenen - Head of Procurement, Nippon Shokubai Europe- How can regular communication, joint planning, and decision-making contribute to collaboration in the supply chain?
- What technologies and tools can be utilized to enhance collaboration with customers in the supply chain?
- In what ways does the sharing of information and resources facilitate collaboration within the supply chain?
Enhancing Partner Collaboration
3:20 pm - 4:00 pm Panel Discussion: How can you breakdown internal siloes in data, operations and management for increased visibility in the industry and in your business? Alejandra Hoya - Global IT Logistics Lead, DuPont Alexander Zacharias - Senior Expert Data & Analytics Solutions for Supply Chain, Merck KGaA Thomas Spieker - Vice President Sales EMEA, Shippeo- How to integrate a unified framework for data sharing and collaboration to achieve streamlined operations and visibility across supply chain
- How to breakdown departmental barriers and promote cross-functional communication to achieve common goals
- How to eradicate siloes and allow for informed decision making, better demand forecasting and customer centricity in supply chain
Sponsored by: Shippeo
4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Networking Break
Navigating Ocean Freight Challenges
4:30 pm - 4:50 pm
Keynote: How Braskem has entered the maritime market with a plan to generate cost savings, operational efficiency and achieve environmental goals
Hardi Schuck -
CEO and Managing Director,
Braskem
- How Braskem’s strategy is set to achieve annual savings of 1.8 million USD by operating its own ships
- Insights into how their strategy simplifies logistics and offers services to third-party companies
- Top tips to achieve environmental goals and business performance simultaneously, reducing greenhouse gasses while achieving operational efficiency
4:50 pm - 5:10 pm
Case Study: How to build a bullet-proof ocean freight strategy to overcome geo-economic and infrastructure limitations and prepare for the next ‘Black Swan’ event
- How to assess and protect your business’s exposure risk to ocean freight challenges such as another Red Sea crisis
- How to reduce the impact of blockages, bottlenecks and delays on your transit times, even across longer and varied routes
- How to apply scenario planning and inventory flexibility and to your contingency plan to reduce loss of key dependencies to maintain business performance
Entering Green Rail Logistics
5:10 pm - 5:50 pm
Panel Discussion: How can you overcome cost pressures in the shift from road to rail transport, maintain profitability and innovate to make rail more competitive and reliable?
Samer Ghandour -
Senior Manager Terminal Networks and Processes,
BASF
Esther Freijanes Sangroniz -
Supply Chain Manager,
Elix Polymers
Isabelle Van Looy -
Business Expert, Belgium,
Infrabel
Filip Van Hulle -
General Manager, Finland,
Multimodaal.Vlaanderen
Joost Naessens -
Director Transport & Logistics,
CEFIC
- What recommendations have been made to help increase fleet capacity for green logistics and how can we secure value and growth for all?
- How can manufacturers tap into logistics partners’ extensive intermodal networks for safe, cost-effective and timely product delivery?
- What more can chemical manufacturers do to involve more stakeholders and continue more efficient roll-out through effective collaboration?
- How to enhance customer visibility and control using rail logistics and provide real-time data, alerts, self-service and an improved customer experience?
Samer Ghandour
Senior Manager Terminal Networks and ProcessesBASF
5:50 pm - 6:00 pm
Chairperson's Closing Remarks
Trish Lynch -
Chairwoman,
LogiChem
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Drinks reception hosted by Ovinto
Sponsored by: Ovinto