DyStar Group, a global leader in specialty chemicals for the textile and leather industries, has announced a key transition in its Board of Directors aimed at reinforcing governance, accelerating innovation, and supporting long-term international growth.
The company confirmed the appointment of Ruan Cunfan to its Board of Directors, effective 20th February 2026. The move marks a strategic leadership transition as Yao Jianfang steps down after more than a decade of service.
Strategic leadership renewal
Ruan Cunfan is a graduate of Claremont McKenna College, USA, where he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Economics & Accounting and Chemistry. He currently serves as Director and Assistant to the Chairman of Zhejiang Longsheng Group Co., Ltd., as well as Assistant to the Chairman of Longsheng Group Holdings (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
With extensive experience in overseeing group-level real estate investment strategy, operations, and management, Ruan brings a multidisciplinary background that combines financial acumen with scientific expertise. His appointment reflects DyStar’s focus on strengthening corporate governance, enhancing global competitiveness, and driving sustainable long-term value creation.
DyStar, which has a heritage of more than a century in product development and textile coloration innovation, operates across key global markets, supplying dyes, chemicals, and digital ink solutions to textile manufacturers worldwide. The Board transition comes at a time when the textile value chain is undergoing rapid transformation driven by sustainability, digitalization, and regulatory shifts.
Yao Jianfang, who has served on DyStar’s Board since 2015, will step down from his directorship. During his tenure, he provided strategic guidance and leadership that contributed to the Group’s operational resilience and international expansion.
The Board and management expressed sincere appreciation for his dedicated service and acknowledged his continued support at the shareholder level.
Driving internationalization and sustainability
Ruan WeiXiang, Chairman of the Board of Directors at DyStar Group, described the appointment as a forward-looking move aligned with the company’s long-term vision.
He noted that Ruan Cunfan’s innovative mindset and global perspective will support DyStar’s ongoing internationalization process, while reinforcing responsible and resilient development strategies.
Xu Yalin, Managing Director, President and CEO of DyStar Group, added that the new board member’s fresh insights will strengthen the Group’s sustainability roadmap and enhance value creation across its global operations. He emphasized that embedding sustainability deeper into corporate strategy remains a top priority for DyStar.
Positioning for the next growth phase
As the global textile and chemical industries face increasing pressure to reduce environmental impact, improve traceability, and adopt cleaner technologies, DyStar’s board transition signals its commitment to proactive leadership renewal.
The Group stated that it remains focused on strengthening global partnerships, advancing sustainable chemistry solutions, and delivering innovative products that support a more responsible textile ecosystem.
With the new appointment, DyStar aims to combine leadership continuity with renewed strategic momentum as it enters its next phase of growth.
