Apollo Managing Director Ian Cornelius to Retire After Three Decades

THE MANAGING Director of Apollo, part of the global adhesive manufacturer H.B. Fuller, Ian Cornelius, is retiring after nearly three decades at the company.

The business in the UK and Europe will now be led by Ralph Kussmann, H.B. Fuller Managing Director for Construction Adhesives in EIMEA and member of the company’s global Construction Adhesives Leadership Team.

Ian joined Apollo in 1994 as a sales professional before becoming UK sales manager in 2000. While serving as sales and marketing director in 2011, Ian led the company growth in the roofing sector and company as a whole. Appointed managing director in 2015, Ian has since enhanced Apollo’s strategic approach and growth into a £40+ million business today.

Recently, he steered the Apollo team through the Covid-19 pandemic and also played a key part in the acquisition by H.B. Fuller at the beginning of this year.

The manufacturer aims to reinforce its industry position as an adhesive supplier and expand in Europe using the model that has brought it growth in the UK, particularly within the roofing market.

Incredible Journey

Ian said, “It has been a truly incredible journey. I feel tremendously honoured and privileged to have had the opportunity to lead such a talented team and wonderful business. I would like to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to colleagues, customers, and suppliers past and present for their role in making Apollo what it is today.

“I leave safe in the knowledge that under Ralph’s care along with the outstanding skills of the leaders and wider management team, the Construction Adhesives business can only go from strength to strength.”

Ralph Kussmann adds, “Ian is a truly outstanding leader who has built a solid business and a high performing leadership team. His ability to quickly solve problems and inspire others has played a pivotal role in Apollo’s achievements. Ian has been instrumental in ensuring we continue the success story together with our employees and customers by capitalizing on Apollo’s innovative technologies and superior technical expertise in the UK and now increasingly across the European continent.”

Ian will continue to support H.B. Fuller on a consultancy basis, and will also be embarking on other coaching and mentoring roles in the future.

>> Read more about Apollo & H.B. Fuller in the news