Shanghai, China -- Dow Chemical Co. announced 31 May that in two key appointments in technology roles in the Asia Pacific region it has strengthened its moves towards local leadership.
Weiguang Yao has been appointed chief technology officer for Asia Pacific, as well as assuming the role of global R&D director for Dow's Energy Storage/Materials Business, based in the Shanghai Dow Center. Theresa Kotanchek, former cto for Asia Pacific, is relocating to Dow's US headquarters in her new role as global director for sustainable technologies and innovation sourcing. Both appointments are immediate.
Dow says it has a transformational strategy in which Asia Pacific is a key geography in developing ground-breaking innovations and technology to provide fresh solutions for local customers.
China has recently become Dow's second largest market in terms of global sales, and a key factor behind these successes has been an emphasis on local talent development, the chemical giant says.
According to Dow, it strives to further cultivate local talent in China because of the unique local market insights and increasing excellence they offer. "The Asia Pacific region is not just a critical market for the 'New Dow.' It has also emerged as a true center of excellence for innovation and technological leadership," said Pat Dawson, Dow's president of Asia Pacific, in the company statement.
Commenting on Dow's "remarkable growth" in Asia Pacific, Yao said, adding: "I am excited to work in this growing region to continue propelling technological advancement to provide solutions for our partners and customers in this market."
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