UPM has announced the appointment of Harald Dialer as Executive Vice President of Technology and UPM Biorefining, effective January 1, 2025.
Dialer will join UPM’s Group Executive Team, reporting directly to President and CEO Massimo Reynaudo.
With a Ph.D. in chemistry and over 25 years of experience in specialty chemicals and renewable technologies, Dialer brings significant expertise to UPM. He previously served as Managing Director and Chief Commercial Officer at HCS Group since 2020. His career also includes leadership roles at BASF, Süd-Chemie, Scientific Design Co., and Clariant, where he worked in business management and corporate functions. Dialer, who holds dual German and Austrian citizenship, will be based in Augsburg, Germany.
Massimo Reynaudo welcomed the new addition, stating, "Harald's background in chemistry and strong track record in business development align perfectly with our growth strategy, particularly as we venture into the biochemicals market with our Leuna biorefinery."
Dialer will succeed Winfried Schaur, who has decided to leave the company for personal reasons. Schaur will continue in his role until the end of 2024. Reynaudo praised Schaur’s 23-year tenure at UPM, highlighting his pivotal role in transforming the company and maintaining its profitability in the graphic paper sector. In recent years, Schaur has also been instrumental in shaping UPM’s biorefining business and advancing its technological initiatives.
UPM is a global leader in providing renewable and responsible solutions across six business areas, including UPM Fibres, UPM Energy, and UPM Specialty Papers. With 16,600 employees and annual sales of approximately EUR 10.5 billion, the company is committed to sustainability and climate action through the UN Business Ambition for 1.5°C initiative.
