Sales Area Manager
Cannon Afros

Jacopo Battistello

In his current role as a Sales Area Manager for Cannon Afros, he is responsible for all active key accounts across the Middle East, where he is engaged in strengthening relationships and seeking out new opportunities to grow in the region.

As an expert on the subject, Jacopo is a strong advocate for the inclusion of expandable graphite in polyurethane insulation as a means of increasing product safety. Before joining Cannon Afros, he held the Export Manager position for a major Italian company where he was involved in technical sales for chemical products covering waterproofing and insulation.



General Manager
Interplast

Miro Donabedian

Miro Donabedian is the General Manager at IP Harwal Polymer a division of Interplast (Member of Harwal group companies www.harwal.net ) with responsibilities for Business Development , Operations & Technical Services for both Polyurethane and Compounding division .

Prior to joining IP Harwal Polymer, Miro Donabedian worked at several international companies, including Technical Supplies and Services Company TSSC ) in Duba – U.A.E , Woodbridge Group ( Toronto, Canada ) and Acklands Graenger (Toronto , Canada) .

Notable is his 10 year tenure as General Manager for Technical Supplies and Services Company managing sales , product development, certifications and operations of Polyurethane Systemhouse , Cold Chain and Prefab Divisions. Miro Donabedian received MBA ( General Management from University of Western Ontario – IVEY- Canada ) and Masters in Engineering ( University of Toronto – Canada ) . He is certified Project Manager (PMP ) and Professional Engineer P.Eng with membership affiliation Professional Engineers Ontario . He has served in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve Engineering regiment at Fort York Armories



Vice President, Chemicals
Argus Media

James Elliott

James Elliott is the Vice President for chemicals at Argus Media. Mr. Elliott is based in London. His responsibilities in this role include representing Argus in the chemical industry, providing customers with insight on chemical markets as well as wider strategic issues, and aiding clients in indexing on Argus chemical prices. Mr. Elliott has a decade of experience in the chemical industry. Before joining Argus in August 2021, Mr. Elliott covered various chemical markets across the inorganics, aromatics and polyurethane value chains at IHS Markit. He holds a Master of Chemistry degree from University College London.



R&D Manager
Kimpur

Cahit Can Canakcı

Cahit Can Çanakçı holds a bachelor's and master's degree in Chemistry from Istanbul Technical University and is currently pursuing Ph.D. He brings over 5 years of experience from Arcelik-Beko Home Appliance, where he played a role in developing polyurethane solutions for refrigerators, cooking appliances, and dishwashers. Since joining Kimpur Global in 2023, he has focused on: Developing novel polyurethane systems for diverse industrial applications and actively collaborating within polyurethane value chain to optimize resources utilization, minimize waste, and create mutually beneficial circular economy solutions.



Product Development Scientist
Momentive Performance Materials

Robin Heedfeld

Dr. Robin Heedfeld is a Product Development Scientist in the Technology Department of Momentive Performance Materials, based in Leverkusen, Germany. Prior to this, Robin studied chemistry at the RWTH Aachen University where he received a Bachelor, Master and PhD degree. He was active in the development of new polyoxazolidinone polymers during the Master thesis at the CAT Catalytic Center Aachen. As part of a PhD thesis from 2014 till 2017 Robin studied the adhesion properties of functionalized polysiloxanes under the supervision of Prof. Martin Möller at the DWI – Leibniz-Institute for Interactive Materials. Since 2017, Robin´s activity at Momentive focuses on developing new additives for rigid polyurethane foams.



Sales Manager, Polyurethane
Tajchem

Taha Saeed

After spending more than a decade in Polyurethanes Product/Business Development and Sales in Asia Pacific, Taha Saeed is currently adding value as Sales Manager (MEA & SA) Polyurethanes at TajChem. Prior to joining TajChem, he was working with BASF.

Taha has experience in all the Polyurethane Segments which includes Flexible, Rigid, Semi-Rigid, TPUs, Adhesives, etc. covering various industries such as Appliances, AutomoKve, Films, Footwear, InsulaKon, and so on.

He has completed his Master’s in Business Analytics and Bachelors in Polymer Engineering which gives him an edge to combine the commercial and technical aspects of Polyurethane Markets. He also has a certification from TU Del" Netherlands for Electric Mobility besides multiple certifications in Leadership & Sales.

He has a keen interest in Sustainability and Regional Market Expansions.



Technical Manager – FOAM
Honeywell

Amanullah AJ

An experienced technical, customer support and marketing professional having more than 20 years of experience in the thermal insulation industry. Has worked with different companies in the region producing polyurethane foam systems for thermal insulation used in various applications. Has developed and successfully commercialized systems for applications involving thermal insulation with regular and new technologies as well in the region.

Currently working with Honeywell International Middle East, Dubai as Technical Manager for Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, providing support for adoption of Honeywell Solstice® LBA – the 4th Generation blowing agent which is environmentally safe and allows end users to meet energy efficiency standards like or better than the previous generation blowing agents – a big need for sustainability.



Managing Director
Enercon Building Materials

Mohammad Ijaz

Ijaz is a dynamic and a passionate entrepreneur, who led his startup from scratch to a multinational group of companies within a span of 5 years only. Ijaz is also distinguished to have attended HARVARD University. In his spare time, he enjoys reading and spending time with family.



Regional Technical Manager
Covestro

Dineshkumar Patel

Born & studied in India, Dr. Dinesh Patel accomplished a Ph.D. in Polymer Science.
He worked for various companies like Asian PPG Industries, Synpol Resin, etc. in their R & D and production department. Joined National Paints Sharjah in 2001 & is a NACE II Coating Inspector.
Later he joined Bayer Middle East (now “Covestro”) as a Regional Technical Manager to support the Coatings Adhesives & Specialties (CAS) division.
In 2014 inaugurated a lab in Dubai for enhancing technical support & train customers on Covestro products. About 28 years of experience in MEA & India.



Senior Technical Service and Laboratory Manager
Evonik

Ugur Can Iyidir

Uğur Can began his professional career as a Production Chief in Isbir Sünger Sanayi A.Ş, he continued to work as Production and R&D manager in the same company. In 2016 he started to work in Evonik as Regional Technical Service Manager. He was responsible for MENA focusing on troubleshooting activities, customer projects and customer trainings. In 2021 he established Home of Polyurethane Istanbul Laboratory and promoted to Senior Regional Technical Service Manager and Laboratory Manager. Ugur Can has been working in the Polyurethane Industry for over 15 years.



Lead Application Development Engineer- IMEA
Momentive Performance Materials

Prathish H

Prathish H received his Master of Technology in Polymer Science & Technology, Having 10+ years of experience in Flexible Polyurethane foaming. Presently working as “Lead Application Development Engineer” for IMEA Region(India-Middle East- Africa) in Momentive Performance Material Pvt Ltd.



Senior Specialist - Technical Development PU Systems Insulation Solutions – Performance Materials Europe
BASF Espanola

Suhas Chandrakant Shetkar

Dr. Suhas has been part of BASF in the Middle East region since 2011 and is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He is a Technical Manager at the company, responsible for the development of systems for rigid foam and technical services. With over three decades of experience in polyurethanes, Dr. Suhas holds a PhD degree in Organic Chemistry from the highly esteemed Institute of Chemical Technology in India (previously known as the University Department of Chemical Technology).

Dr. Suhas has worked at IRPC, previously known as Thai Petrochemicals Ltd, in Thailand as their Technical Manager for three years. He spent eight years at Expanded Polymers in India, where he worked in the Research and Development department, focusing on the development of diverse polyether and polyester polyols. He has also worked with various local companies, gaining valuable experience in the Middle East market.



Global Technology Leader – PU
Momentive Performance Materials

Gabriel Kiss

Gabriel Kiss received his PhD in polymer chemistry from the Polytechnic Institute of Timisoara, Romania. After working for four years in the field of polyurethane flexible slabstock foam production, he joined Momentive in 2009 as research scientist in the polyurethane R&D group in Leverkusen, Germany. In this role, Gabriel developed various additive solutions for flexible polyurethane foam applications. In 2016, he took the global technology leader role for flexible polyurethane foam applications within the Urethane Additives R&D at Momentive, coordinating additive development activities. Since 2020, Gabriel has served as the Global Segment Technology Leader for the Polyurethane Slabstock segment at Momentive. He leads a global technical team with a focus on innovation, sustainability and designing new foam solutions aligned with key industry trends.



Assistant Manager, PU Global Technical Service Development., Furniture/Footwear/Automotive
Wanhua Beijing

Yang Wei

2024.7- 2024.8: Assistant Manager, PU Global Technical Service Development., Furniture/Footwear/Automotive, Wanhua Beijing

2016.7- 2022.7: Technical Sales Manager, Automotive/Furniture, BASF China

2014.3- 2016.6: Global PU Advisor in ECCO Group

2005.7- 2014.2: PU Regional Technical Service and Development, Footwear, BASF China



Senior Global Project Leader & Technical Key Account Manager
Momentive Performance Materials

Marcel Hartmann

Dr. Marcel Hartmann received his PhD in Organic Synthetic Chemistry from the University of Münster, Germany in 2016. After working six months as a Senior Lecturer, he joined Momentive Performance Materials as a Senior Chemist and Application Development Engineer for Flexible Polyurethane Slabstock Foam, being responsible for new product developments and technical service in Europe, Middle East & Africa. From 2021 on, he extended his role and is working as a Technical Account Manager in the Flexible Slabstock Division combining technical, commercial, and marketing responsibilities for European Key Accounts and Distributors. Since 2023, Dr. Hartmann is leading the technical marketing activities globally, as Senior Global Project Leader.



Technical Manager
Pearl Polyurethanes

Mohammed Merzook

Mohamed Merzook is an experienced Technical Manager at Pearl Polyurethane Systems, headquartered in Dubai., where he plays a critical role in driving innovation and maintaining the highest standards in the polyurethane industry. With a solid academic foundation, Merzook earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Anna University, Over the past 10 years, he has cultivated extensive expertise in the polyurethane sector, with a focus on developing cutting-edge applications, managing diverse product portfolios, and providing exceptional technical service to the customer in the region.

One of Merzook’ s notable achievements has been his instrumental role in the commercialization of polyurethane systems based on sustainable blowing agents. His efforts in this area have not only advanced the company’s sustainability initiatives but have also positioned Pearl Polyurethane as a leader in environmentally responsible practices within the industry. With a deep understanding of the technical intricacies and market demands of the polyurethane industry, Merzook continues to drive innovation and deliver value at every level of his work, making him an invaluable asset to Pearl Polyurethane Systems.



Export Sales Manager
Pluskim Polyurethanes

Enes Kurtay

Enes Kurtay is the Export Manager at Pluskim Polyurethane, where he leads the international expansion and trade strategies across global markets. Despite his young age, Enes has already gained extensive experience in managing polyurethane chemical raw materials and is recognized as an expert in the field, driving innovation and excellence. He graduated from Istanbul University, Department of Chemistry, and is currently pursuing his MBA at the same university. Enes is dedicated to continuous learning and aspires to take on higher executive responsibilities, leveraging his expertise to contribute to industry advancements.



Head of Technical Services
Pearl Polyurethanes

Luca Micheletti

Luca Micheletti is a highly skilled and results-driven professional with over a decade of experience in the polyurethane industry. Currently serving as the Head of Technical Services at Pearl Polyurethane Systems in Dubai, he holds a degree in Industrial Chemistry from the Università degli Studi di Torino. Before joining Pearl, Luca had a successful career at BASF Italia SpA, where he served as Senior Specialist Conti and Regional Technology Coordinator for Western Europe, managing key accounts and driving innovation in PU system applications.

Luca's work focuses on innovations and sustainability in PU systems, specializing in sandwich panels, rigid foams, and insulation. He excels in managing projects, fostering client relationships, and driving technical excellence. Fluent in English, Italian, and French, Luca is dedicated to advancing sustainable practices and providing eco-friendly solutions in the polyurethane industry.



R&D Manager, SepehrDonya
SITCO Co.

Fatema Homyouni

I am a Ph.D. graduate from the University of Tehran (the top-ranked university in Iran).

I have excellent work experience as a Researcher and R&D Manager in polyurethane products, especially different PU foams.

I have been working as a Researcher for many years in a Reputable system-house Company in Iran (SepehrDonya Production and Trading Co.) focused on developing polyurethane products especially different kinds of PU foams. In this field, I have been experimentally and theoretically involved as a team member in developing polyurethane foam formulations in many projects, in all rigid, flexible, and semi-rigid categories."