Midland, Michigan-Dow Chemical Co. has created a new regional organisation which divides its activities into five major regions. The aim is to speeding up implementation of the group's strategic growth agenda, Dow said. Activities outside North America will be split into four major regions-Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and India/Middle East/Africa-each led by a new regional president. Dow said all of its businesses and functions will adopt this new regional framework.In pursuit of Dow's "vision to be the largest, most profitable and most respected chemical company in the world, we need to harness the full power of the Company's geographic experience, and … identify, fairly prioritise and effectively pursue regional growth opportunities," said Andrew Liveris, Dow's president, chief executive officer and chairman-elect, in a Dow announcement. The new structure will "ensure that local knowledge, local relationships, local talent and local presence are properly leveraged across every part of the company; … [and] sharpen our focus on region-specific objectives," helping to drive collective business success, Liveris added.The four newly appointed regional presidents are:• Jim McIlvenny, Asia Pacific region. McIlvenny will also continue in his present role as president of Dow Greater China. He will remain in Shanghai, but broaden his responsibilities to cover the whole region. • Earl Shipp, India, Middle East and Africa region. Shipp is currently business vice president for Dow Oxides and Glycols and will remain so. He will relocate to Dubai and will be responsible for increasing Dow's presence and strengthening key relationships in this location. • Pedro Suarez, Latin America region. Suarez was previously commercial vice president for Plastics North America. He will relocate to Sao Paulo, Brazil, and lead Dow's expansion in this important growth region, Dow said. • Markus Wildi, Europe region. Wildi, who was previously commercial vice president, Plastics Europe, will take a dual role as president of Dow Europe and general manager for Dow in Germany-the Company's second largest market worldwide. Wildi will be responsible for bolstering Dow's presence and influence across the region, with a particular focus on Eastern Europe. He will remain based in Horgen.In North America, the chief executive officer will assume the role of regional president, Dow said. "
