Chemical industry appointments

People on the move

19 November 2007 00:00  [Source: ICB]

Mark Szendro has been appointed ­business director for BASF's amines intermediates business in North America. In his new role, Szendo is responsible for directing the business activities for amine intermediates that are provided to companies that manufacture adhesives, coatings (including epoxy and polyurea), pharmaceuticals, plastics, water treatment chemicals, agrochemicals, ­rubber chemicals and surfactants, as well as the gas treatment in the petroleum, power plant and other industries. He is based at BASF's North American ­headquarters in Florham Park, New Jersey.

Dean Oestreich who is a DuPont vice president and president of Pioneer Hi-Bred, has been named chairman of agro-biotechnology subsidiary Pioneer. He will focus on strengthening the longer-term strategy for the Pioneer business. Oestreich has served as Pioneer president since 2004. He joined in 1974 as a corn breeder and has held leadership positions in information management, sales and marketing and supply management organizations.

Paul Schickler has been named DuPont vice president and president of Pioneer, based in Wilmington, Delaware, US. "Given the incredible growth opportunity for the Pioneer business and the importance of Pioneer to the success of DuPont, we needed to expand the leadership capacity for longer-term planning and execution," said J. Erik Fyrwald, group vice ­president - DuPont Agriculture & Nutrition. Schickler, who has had ­responsibility for the rapidly ­growing international markets for Pioneer, will have responsibility for all of Pioneer's business operations. Schickler, 55, began working for Pioneer in 1974, in corporate accounting.

Richard Milner-Moore has been appointed as ­managing director of Whyte ­Chemicals, London, UK. Milner-Moore is ­currently director of ­polymer ­operations, which he will now pass to Nick Howell. Before ­joining the ­company, he had 17 years experience with DSM UK as their managing director, ­giving him experience in chemical ­distribution. John ­Drummond has also been appointed as ­business development director in addition to his role as director of organics.

William Frerking has been named vice president and chief sustainability officer for US construction and packaging chemical manufacturer Georgia-Pacific in Atlanta, Georgia. In this newly created position, Frerking is responsible for implementing sustainability strategies, goals, measurement and reporting. He reports to Philip Ellender, senior vice president. Frerking previously held the position of chief counsel for the company's building products businesses.

Alan Kelly has been appointed by the board of directors for Exxon-Mobil in Irving, Texas, US, to president of ExxonMobil lubricants and petroleum specialties. He was also elected vice president of the corporation effective December 1, succeeding Jerry Kohlenberger, who will retire on January 31, after more than 33 years of service.

EXECUTIVE BRIEFING

Shelly Hillyer has joined US coatings and sealants group RPM International in Ohio as associate general counsel and will be responsible for managing its litigation and insurance coverage disputes. "We are delighted to add her to our legal team. Shelly's litigation expertise, coupled with her familiarity with RPM's senior management group, made her a natural and compelling choice for this key position," said P. Kelly Tompkins, executive vice president and chief administrative officer.

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Ali Naimi for saying OPEC had no intention of announcing a rise in oil production at last week's cartel summit. The Saudi oil minister said there would be "absolutely no discussion" on short-term supply and demand, but on long-term strategy instead.

Andrew Tinkler for increasing the use of rail and water transport, cutting back on road haulage. The CEO of UK road haulage firm Eddie Stobart said environmental concerns and high fuel prices for diesel had prompted the move, reported last week.

Rex Tillerson chairman and CEO of Exxon Mobil for condemning "isolationism" in energy policy, saying that trying to achieve energy independence is futile, particularly in the US. Instead, increased energy efficiency and oil production should help.

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