As part of the Global Excellence Team for Digital Manufacturing, Matthijs works with production sites around the world to optimize their operations using digital solutions. By collaborating closely with local engineers, he creates data driven insights and set standards to improve efficiency and reliability. In his role he contributes to Huntsman's digital transformation by engaging both business and operations in new, digital ways of working.

Result driven, engaging operational excellence director who operates on all levels in organizations to develop a culture in continuous improvement with Lean Manufacturing, Digital and Operational Excellence. Program management in building and up-scaling continuous improvement culture (mindset & behaviors, deployment approach, governance, standards). Supporting various units / sites in implementing Lean Manufacturing from management level up to shop floor. Implementing Digital to support the Continuous improvement journey with advanced analytics, process mining and visibility tooling (control tower). Significant cost reductions and process improvements realized at various organizations in various businesses. Program management. Ensuring people taking ownership. Complex issues reduced back to the core. Hands on solutions. Pragmatic approach.

Benedikt Thünker is a seasoned expert in digital transformation, smart manufacturing, and Industry 4.0, with a particular focus on the chemical and resource industries. Based in the Düsseldorf-Ruhr region, he has over a decade of experience driving innovation and operational excellence in complex industrial environments. Currently, Benedikt serves as Director of Smart Operations Portfolio Management at Evonik Operations GmbH, where he leads initiatives to modernize digital plants and implement cutting-edge solutions. Prior to this, he was instrumental in developing digital tools as a Project Manager, focusing on analytics and smart manufacturing strategies. Before joining Evonik, Benedikt honed his expertise in management consulting roles at PwC Deutschland and Accenture, where he supported clients in the chemicals, energy, and natural resources sectors. His career has been defined by his ability to translate strategic vision into actionable solutions, enhance organizational design, and foster continuous improvement. With a strong foundation in change management, stakeholder engagement, and relationship building, Benedikt is recognized for his strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and ability to navigate complex challenges.

Huntsman embraces the entrepreneurial spirit of our founder, Jon Huntsman, and his core values of honesty, integrity, respect and responsibility. For 50 years, our employees have been using science and ingenuity to create innovations that play a critical role in the everyday lives of many millions of people. As a global chemicals company, Huntsman’s work forms the building blocks for countless consumer and industrial products that are part of your everyday life. Our employees are united around a common goal: enriching lives through innovation.

We are dsm-firmenich – innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty. We bring progress to life by combining the essential, the desirable, and the sustainable. From our master perfumers and flavorists to our expert nutritionists and scientists, our trailblazing teams work closely with customers, supporting their ambitions with 150+ years of R&D expertise. With a passionate and talented team of close to 30,000 employees, we are determined to be a force for good. And to work together to positively impact people and planet.

Evonik is one of the world’s leading specialty chemicals companies. While we don’t produce electric cars, aircraft, medications or 3D printers, Evonik is part and parcel of these and many other end products. That’s because we contribute the small things that make a big difference. We make electric car batteries perform better, aircraft greener, medications more effective and 3D printers more efficient. In short: We think beyond the bounds of chemistry to make the world a better place. Today and tomorrow. We are an international group with a workforce of over 32,000 people spread across more than one hundred locations. Our daily work is shaped by global concerns, such as sustainability, diversity and digitalization. In all our business decisions, we take the present and future generations into consideration. After all, being ready for tomorrow is our business.