Topsoe Announces CEO Transition: Scaltritti to Succeed Baan

Key highlights
  • Roeland Baan will step down as CEO of Topsoe on May 31, 2026.
  • Elena Scaltritti will become CEO on June 1, 2026.
  • Topsoe inaugurated Europe's largest SOEC manufacturing facility.
  • Topsoe launched Zaffra, a joint venture with Sasol for sustainable aviation fuel.

Leadership Transition

Roeland Baan will step down as CEO of Topsoe on May 31, 2026. Elena Scaltritti, currently the Chief Commercial Officer, will assume the role on June 1, 2026. Scaltritti has been instrumental in driving commercial growth and expanding Topsoe's market position in low-carbon and renewable fuels since joining in 2022.

Baan's Achievements

During his tenure, Baan led Topsoe's transition from its legacy brand, Haldor Topsoe, to its current identity. He positioned the company as a leader in clean fuel technologies, focusing on decarbonization of energy-intensive industries and long-distance transportation. Baan also spearheaded the industrialization of green hydrogen, expanding Topsoe's electrolyzer capabilities and inaugurating Europe's largest SOEC manufacturing facility.

Strategic Initiatives

Baan oversaw the opening of a new catalyst production facility in Bayport, Texas, ensuring the delivery of energy-efficient conventional fuel solutions. He also drove partnerships to accelerate the transition to clean fuels, including the launch of Zaffra, a joint venture with Sasol aimed at advancing sustainable aviation fuel production.

Commitment to Sustainability

Under Baan's leadership, Topsoe's 2040 net-zero target was approved by the Science Based Targets initiative, reinforcing its commitment to science-based decarbonization. The company achieved strong financial performance, supported by the issuance of green hybrid securities. Baan's efforts in sustainability were recognized externally, including being named to Forbes Sustainability Leaders list and receiving the S&P Platts Global Energy Award for excellence in chemicals.

Source: Topsoe

chemXplore Weekly

The week’s project milestones and project news from the chemical industry, free every Wednesday.

Free. One email a week. Unsubscribe any time.

Related articles

14 July 2026
Topsoe and Sasol license G2L SAF technology to Allied Biofuels for Uzbekistan plant

License and engineering deal to supply G2L eSAF and bio‑SAF technology for a Khorezm plant producing about 300,000 t SAF/eSAF annually; FID 2027, commercial ops targeted 2030.

7 July 2026
Topsoe and Sasol to supply G2L tech for SUSTAERO wood‑waste SAF project in Canada

SAF from wood waste, 3,200 bpd initial capacity expandable 3×; final investment decision expected 2028 and operations targeted for 2031.

16 October 2025
Sasol and Topsoe Partner on E-Fuels Plant in Germany

A new e-fuels plant in Germany will produce 2500 tons annually, using renewable feedstocks, with €130 million funding from the German government. Completion is expected by Q4 2027.

16 July 2025
Moeve and Zaffra to Develop e-SAF in Spain

The agreement supports EU aviation decarbonization targets by assessing e-SAF facility feasibility in Spain, leveraging renewable energy and technology expertise.

4 December 2024
Topsoe and Sasol to Provide E-Fuels Tech for German eSAF Plant

The Leuna plant will produce 2500 tons of e-fuels annually by 2027, funded by €130M from Germany's BMDV, using renewable feedstock and advanced technologies for SAF research.