Julia Kurtz

Background

About Julia Kurtz

I am a passionate, pragmatic business leader and strategist driven by a desire to make a positive impact on society through innovation in adhesive technologies and improving sustainability in the wider chemical industry. As Director of Marketing & Strategy, I drive the strategy, sustainability, marketing, sales excellence, pricing, and product & technology management teams of Henkel’s Industrial Adhesives business. My focus is on shaping relationships with our customers and partners for joint success. Collaboration, deepening relationships and sharing knowledge is key to my approach. If we can jointly anticipate future needs, we can help customers improve product design with our solutions. That can save time, reduce costs, improve sustainability, and open the door to further advances. Progress comes from collaboration and teamwork. I love exchanging ideas with people dedicated to improvement and am passionate about encouraging the next generation of talent. Together we will create meaningful impact for tomorrow. My deep understanding of the chemical industry comes from my academic background as a chemist and biochemist, and over 20 years of global industry experience working in a range of roles from research and consultancy to sales and corporate business development. Being at the heart of future thinking around innovation, sustainability and the evolution of the chemical industry is incredibly exciting to me - so much so that I co-authored a book on Innovation Management of the chemical industry in the digital age together with other experts from the chemical industry. I have a personal interest in the MedTech industry, which I have worked in several times. Understanding the patient experience is key to improving technologies. So as part of my work, I have tried out some of our customers' products. That has been invaluable in helping guide my approach to innovation and product development. Outside work, I am also an advocate for a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking with my family, and finding balance through activities like yoga and ballet. I regularly donate blood and encourage others to do so too. If we have a shared interest in any of these areas, you can send me a connection request (with a message). Innovation | Sustainability | Adhesive Technologies | Customer Engagement | DEI | Leadership | Sales Excellence | Product Development | Technology Management | MedTech | Liquid & Gas Filtration | Automation | Datacom | Telecommunications | Aerospace | Rail | Wind | Solar | Hydrogen