In this episode of DigiChem Dialogues, Jilles Eissen (Global CIO, Allnex) joins Jay Bhatia (CEO, Agilis) to break down why “you can’t cook AI in a dirty kitchen,” and what it actually takes to make AI deliver real outcomes.

Drawing from experience across manufacturing, R&D, and enterprise systems, Jilles explains how years of growth, acquisitions, and local optimization have left many companies with “spaghetti kitchens”: complex, fragmented landscapes that AI will only amplify.

The path forward isn’t more tools, it’s better foundations:

clear ownership, structured data, aligned processes, and architecture that reflects today’s company, not yesterday’s.

What You’ll Learn

• Why AI amplifies messy data and disconnected systems
• What “data context” actually means in practice
• Where organizations lose control (R&D → production → commercial handoffs)
• Why data governance is a leadership responsibility—not an IT task
• How to move from “spaghetti” complexity to scalable, layered systems

About the Guest

Jilles Eissen is the Global CIO of Allnex, a leading producer of industrial coating resins and additives. He leads enterprise-wide digital transformation across data, architecture, and operations in a global manufacturing environment.

About DigiChem Dialogues

DigiChem Dialogues is a podcast series featuring leaders across the chemical industry, focused on practical insights in digital transformation, data strategy, and AI.

Follow DigiChem Dialogues for more conversations with industry leaders on making digital transformation real in chemicals.

Sebastian takes us inside Henkel’s approach to building immersive, value-driven customer experiences in a complex B2B world — blending digital tools, physical Inspiration Centers, and co-creation with customers to drive real impact.

We discuss:

✅ How Henkel bridges physical and digital CX through innovation hubs like the Inspiration Center

✅ Practical strategies for co-creating with customers at scale

✅ Using data and feedback loops to drive continuous CX improvement

✅ Real-world AI use cases in marketing, R&D, and automation

✅ Why storytelling and emotion matter in B2B customer journeys

✅ Tips for chemical companies looking to start small and scale smart in digital transformation

Whether you’re a CX leader, digital strategist, or marketer in the chemical industry, this episode is packed with insights you can act on.

🎧 Listen now and learn how customer-centric thinking can shape the future of B2B engagement.

📍 Watch the full episode on-demand:

digichemdialogues.agiliscommerce.com/omnichannel-excellence-ai-driven-innovation-transforming-customer-experience-at-henkel

Episode Highlights:

• An intimate look at Megan's remarkable journey from rural Iowa to leading a top chemical distribution company
• Insights into human-centered Capitalism and Innovative Leadership Strategies
• Exploring the transformative impact of digital technology and AI in the chemical industry
• Candid discussions about women's leadership and industry evolution

Discover the critical demographic shifts reshaping the chemical workforce, with Millennials and Gen Z expected to comprise 75% of the industry within the next 4-5 years. Megan provides expert perspectives on how AI and digital technologies are revolutionizing chemical distribution and when digitalization will transition from a "nice to have" to a "must-have".

About the Guest:

Megan Gluth is the CEO & Owner of Catalynt Solutions, a certified women-owned chemical supplier recognized on the Puget Sound Business Journal's 2023 Middle Market Fast 50 list. She's also the recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2023 award.

A must-listen for industry professionals, aspiring leaders, and anyone interested in the future of chemical distribution and innovative leadership.

Hosted by Jay Bhatia, Founder and CEO of Agilis.

Key highlights of the episode include:

• AI Implementation Strategies: Constantyn shares practical approaches for integrating artificial intelligence into chemical industry processes, highlighting the transformative potential of digital technologies.
• Digital Transformation Insights: Explore the challenges and opportunities of digital adoption in the chemical sector, with a focus on how organizations can effectively navigate technological change.
• Technological Innovation: Discover the latest trends in digital solutions that are reshaping the chemical industry's operational and customer engagement models.
• Future of Chemical Distribution: Gain valuable perspectives on how AI and digital tools are creating new opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage.

Tune in to learn from Constantyn Chalitsios's expert insights on driving digital transformation and AI adoption in the chemical industry.

Key highlights of the episode include:

• Key Priorities: Discover ACD's strategic focus areas, including sustainability, regulatory compliance, and talent retention in the context of digital transformation.
• Digital Strategies: Gain insights into how technology is being leveraged to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations within the chemical distribution industry.
• Collaboration and Support: Understand how ACD is fostering collaboration among its members to embrace digital tools and best practices effectively.
• Future Trends: Explore emerging trends in digitalization that are shaping the future of chemical distribution and how organizations can prepare for these changes.

This episode offers valuable insights for industry professionals seeking to understand the current state and future direction of chemical distribution. Tune in to hear Eric Byer's expert perspective on navigating regulatory challenges and driving industry growth through strategic organizational changes.

• Evonik's digital evolution, from initial experimentation to full-scale implementation
• Practical approaches and starting strategies for embarking on a digital transformation journey
• Critical lessons learned from both successful and challenging digital initiatives
• Effective methods for achieving organizational alignment on digital projects
• The transformative potential of AI in the chemical industry and how to leverage it
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Henrik shares his firsthand experience of Evonik's digital journey, including the establishment of a dedicated unit for digital exploration in 2016. He discusses the importance of fostering a "digital mindset" across the organization and how this cultural shift drives value more than technology alone.

This episode provides actionable insights for chemical industry professionals at any stage of their digital transformation. Whether you're just starting out or looking to optimize existing digital strategies, Henrik's expertise offers valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of digitalization in a global chemical company.

Tune in to learn how Evonik is leveraging digital solutions and AI to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experiences, and drive innovation in the chemical sector. Discover strategies you can apply to prepare your own organization for success in the digital era.

This episode offers a deep dive into the practical aspects of implementing digital solutions in the chemical industry. Listeners will gain expert knowledge on:

• Proven strategies for seamlessly integrating digital tools into existing business processes
• Overcoming challenges in digital adoption among customers and internal teams
• Balancing innovation with minimal disruption to ongoing operations
• Key lessons learned from BASF's e-commerce implementation for their OPPANOL® product line

Marius shares his firsthand experience of how BASF's digital commerce portal, developed in collaboration with Agilis, has significantly improved sales efficiency and customer engagement. He discusses the tangible benefits observed, including growth in sales, increased repeat orders, and enhanced customer satisfaction through self-service features.

This episode provides actionable insights for chemical industry professionals looking to embark on or optimize their digital transformation journey. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a digital transformation enthusiast, Marius's expertise offers valuable guidance on navigating the complexities of digitalization in the chemical sector.

Tune in to learn how BASF is leveraging digital solutions to create a more efficient, customer-centric approach to chemical distribution and discover strategies you can apply to your own organization's digital evolution.

Listeners will gain valuable insights into:

• Colie's unique path from military service to spearheading innovation in chemical distribution
• The strategic decision-making process behind launching a digital customer portal in just three months
• Whitaker's vision for leveraging digital solutions to reshape the future of chemical distribution
• Practical strategies for overcoming common obstacles in digital transformation initiatives

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the real-world challenges and triumphs of digital adoption in a traditional industry. Whether you're a chemical industry professional or interested in digital transformation across sectors, this discussion provides actionable takeaways and inspiration for embracing technological change.

Tune in to discover how digital solutions are reshaping customer experiences and operational efficiency in the chemical distribution landscape straight from a leader at the forefront of this evolution.