Leadership Transition at Teijin Aramid

Teijin Aramid, a global leader in aramid production, is undergoing a significant leadership transition. Peter ter Horst, who has served as Chief Executive Officer for 5.5 years, will step down at the end of 2025. Taiichi Machida will assume the role of CEO effective October 1, 2025, marking a new chapter for the company. Ter Horst will remain with Teijin Aramid until December to ensure a seamless transition.

Key Highlights

Peter ter Horst steps down as CEO after 19 years with Teijin Aramid.
Taiichi Machida appointed CEO, effective October 1, 2025.
Ter Horst led the company through major challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a fire at the Delfzijl site.
Machida brings extensive strategic experience from Teijin Ltd.’s Corporate Strategy Department.
Teijin Aramid produces high-performance materials like Twaron®, Teijinconex®, and Technora® for various industries.

Peter ter Horst’s Legacy

Peter ter Horst has been a cornerstone of Teijin Aramid’s success over his 19-year tenure, with 5.5 years as CEO. His leadership navigated the company through significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and a major fire at the Delfzijl site. Ter Horst also spearheaded an organizational transformation to enhance the company’s resilience and long-term vision. His commitment to Teijin Aramid’s values and workforce has left a lasting impact. Reflecting on his tenure, Ter Horst stated, “It has been an incredible journey. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together, especially in the face of adversity.”

Taiichi Machida’s Appointment

Taiichi Machida, the incoming CEO, brings a wealth of experience from his roles within Teijin Ltd., including positions in the Healthcare Business Unit and as General Manager of the Corporate Strategy Department. Over the past three years, Machida has shaped the strategic direction of the Teijin Group, positioning him as an ideal leader for Teijin Aramid’s next phase. “I am honored to take on this role at Teijin Aramid,” Machida said. “Peter has built a strong foundation, and I look forward to working with the team to continue evolving the business.”

Teijin Aramid’s Future

With Machida at the helm, Teijin Aramid is poised to navigate the evolving industry landscape. His expertise in corporate strategy and cross-functional leadership will drive the company’s mission to deliver innovative, high-performance materials. Teijin Aramid remains committed to its core products—Twaron®, Teijinconex®, and Technora®—known for their strength, heat resistance, and recyclability. These materials serve industries such as automotive, aerospace, and life protection.

About Teijin Aramid

Teijin Aramid, a subsidiary of the Teijin Group, is a world leader in aramid production. Its products are renowned for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and versatility, used in applications ranging from safety equipment to manufacturing. The company operates production facilities in the Netherlands, Thailand, and Japan.

For more details, visit Teijin Aramid’s website.

About Teijin Group

The Teijin Group, established in 1918, is a global leader in high-performance materials and healthcare solutions. With 150 companies and 20,000 employees across 20 countries, Teijin drives innovation through its “Human Chemistry, Human Solutions” philosophy. The group reported consolidated sales of JPY 1,032.8 billion (USD 6.6 billion) and total assets of JPY 1,251.0 billion (USD 8.0 billion) for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024.

Learn more at Teijin Group’s website.

Gratitude and Welcome

Teijin Aramid extends its heartfelt gratitude to Peter ter Horst for his exceptional leadership and warmly welcomes Taiichi Machida as the new CEO. The company looks forward to continued growth and innovation under Machida’s guidance.

Yes, sign me up!