Denmark-based Nexus, the independent research and innovation centre behind the emulsifiers and stabilisers of Palsgaard, is to welcome a new CEO.

Claus Hviid Christensen will replace Viggo Norn, who has led the company for over 25 years, at a ceremony at the company’s headquarters.

“Norn was instrumental in helping Palsgaard to grow during his time, providing innovation after innovation to meet market needs,” according to the company.

Christensen joins Palsgaard just as the company celebrates 100 years since its founder, Einar Schou, invented the modern commercial emulsifier.

Nexus said growth would be very much on Christensen’s agenda, “because Palsgaard is growing at a rate that will see revenues double over the next five years. And the current product range is only part of the growth surge.”

Christensen said: “We will compete in more areas, not just food, and will start to compete more and more with larger companies.

“We are going to cover a lot of new ground with our emulsifiers, beginning with our most recent move into polymers and developing this, along with other entirely new business segments.”

Educated as a chemist, Christensen has experience both as a senior executive in large and small technology enterprises, and as a full professor in a lengthy and award-winning international academic career.

Birger Brix, group CEO and chairman of the Schou Foundation, which owns both companies, said: “We’re proud to be able to attract talented people like Claus to our company – and that he wants to be part of a very exciting future, taking Nexus to the next levels as the group grows.”