Names in the News: Changes at Bayer, a PlastiComp promotion and an honor for ADS retiree

Bayer is reshuffling execs in a bid to keep its booming business in China rolling along, including naming a new head to its global polycarbonates business, while one of compounder PlastiComp’s employees gets a promotion and a former employee at pipe processor ADS is honored for his life’s work.

Bayer says its changes management changes are being made to continue to support its business growth in China. Michael Koenig, currently the senior Bayer representative for Greater China and senior country representative for Bayer MaterialScience China, will be appointed the global head of the polycarbonates business unit of Bayer MaterialScience (BMS) and a member of the BMS Executive Committee with responsibility for the Asia pacific region. Koenig is the successor to Günter Hilken, who on August 1, 2011, takes over as chairman of the executive board of Currenta. Currenta is a joint venture between Bayer and Lanxess and provides services at the largest chemical park in Europe. Lanxess, a plastics and chemicals supplier, was formerly part of Bayer.

Johannes Dietsch, currently global head of finance at the Bayer AG corporate center in Leverkusen, Germany, will become senior Bayer representative for Greater China and head of finance and administration at Bayer (China) Ltd.  Klaus Schaefer, currently MD of Currenta, will take the position of Bayer MaterialScience senior country representative for China.

All of the personnel changes will take effect separately in July and September 2011.

Companies in Asia/Pacific currently account for more than 60% of the world's polycarbonate production, with this expected to rise to 65% by 2015, according to Bayer, which itself recently announced a capacity expansion for PC in Europe, but late last year shifted the headquarters of its PC operations to China. China accounts for the majority of the demand in the region, according to Bayer, and is regarded as a key driver of growth in view of the country's rapid growth and investment in automotive, rail, consumer appliance and electronic industries.  

"I am delighted to have the opportunity to leverage my China experience to contribute to the continued growth of our polycarbonates business," said Koenig. Over the past years, China has become the company's fastest growth market worldwide. 

Meanwhile at long fiber reinforced thermoplastic compounder PlastiComp, Raj Mathur, business development manager, has been promoted to VP of technology & business development.  In his new role, he will continue to develop new business opportunities related to new materials, new process technologies and new intellectual property. He will also coordinate and direct technical activities at PlastiComp to meet the needs and expectations of customers. Mathur joined the company in 2008.

James Goddard, who recently retired from plastic pipe processor Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) as the company's chief engineer, has been made an Honorary Lifetime Member of the Plastics Pipe Institute Inc. (PPI), the major trade association representing all segments of the plastic pipe industry. In recognition of Goddard's contributions to the PPI and the industry, the award was made during the group's annual membership meeting in May 2011. Goddard was an active member of PPI for more than 30 years, participating in numerous committees, task groups and as a key member of its corrugated pipe division.