Henkel Appoints Rajat Agarwal as President for North America Region
In a move that signifies its commitment to leadership and innovation, Henkel, the renowned manufacturer of popular consumer and industrial brands such as all® laundry detergent and Dial® soap, has announced the appointment of Rajat Agarwal as President of its North America region. This strategic decision sees Agarwal stepping into a crucial role as the company seeks to bolster its presence in the largest market it serves globally.
Agarwal, who has been with Henkel for an impressive 28 years, also holds the title of Corporate Vice President of Packaging within Henkel Adhesive Technologies. He takes the reins from Pernille Lind Olsen, who is pursuing new opportunities in her native Denmark. Based at Henkel's North American Adhesive Technologies Packaging headquarters in Bridgewater, New Jersey, Agarwal aims to drive the company forward in a competitive landscape.
"I am honored to take on this new role at Henkel after 28 years with the company. Alongside my fellow leaders and our colleagues across the United States and Canada, I look forward to continuing to build on our strong position in North America," Agarwal stated. His experience and understanding of the market will be particularly vital as Henkel pursues its goals in innovation and sustainability.
Starting his career at Henkel as a Research Scientist in the automotive division in Madison Heights, Michigan, Agarwal's journey through the company has been marked by significant achievements. His roles have included research and global innovation stints at Henkel's headquarters in Düsseldorf, Germany, and leadership as the President of Henkel Greater China. His academic credentials, including a Ph.D. in Polymer Science from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor's in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, further underscore his capability to lead in this pivotal role.
Agarwal's technical expertise is complemented by a wealth of organizational knowledge and an entrepreneurial outlook, making him well-suited to guide Henkel in North America. His leadership style promotes collaboration and empowers his teams, which is critical in fostering a culture of excellence. "I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Henkel North America Executive Committee, leveraging our enormous potential to bring Henkel's purpose as pioneers at heart for the good of generations to life," Agarwal added, underlining his vision for the organization.
As Henkel’s North America region represents a significant share of the company’s global sales—close to 28 percent, with revenue reaching approximately 6.5 billion US dollars in 2024—the importance of this appointment cannot be overstated. With a workforce of around 8,000 employees across the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, Henkel is well-positioned to capitalize on Agarwal's leadership.
Looking ahead, Agarwal's focus on customer satisfaction and maintaining high-quality service alongside sustainable practices remains at the forefront of his agenda. He believes that by leveraging diverse perspectives within the organization, Henkel's teams can work together more effectively to achieve shared goals. Agarwal’s new role officially commenced on July 1, 2025, marking a significant new chapter for Henkel in its North American endeavors.
For further information about Henkel and its extensive range of well-regarded brands, including all®, Purex®, and Persil® laundry detergents, as well as various adhesives under the Loctite® and Bonderite® names, please visit their website. Henkel’s commitment to excellence and innovation is reinforced through leadership changes like that of Rajat Agarwal, demonstrating their dedication to meeting consumer needs in an evolving market landscape.