Business News
Eastman Announces Executive Management Appointments
Tuesday 07. April 2009 - Richard L. Johnson Appointed Executive Officer
Eastman Chemical Company (NYSE:EMN) today announced that Richard L. Johnson has been appointed an executive officer of the company, effective May 7. In addition, responsibilities for executives Ronald C. Lindsay and Mark J. Costa will be expanded.
“Im very fortunate to inherit a strong leadership team that Ive worked closely with for several years,” said James P. Rogers, CEO-designate. “With this new structure, we will have more executives directly responsible for profit and loss, without increasing the size of our executive team.” Rogers added that these executive changes, along with management changes related to the previously announced workforce reduction, will improve efficiency by flattening the organization while maintaining the companys excellent business and functional capabilities.
As previously announced, Mr. Rogers, 58, president of the company and head of the chemicals and fibers group, will become Eastmans president and chief executive officer following the annual meeting of stockholders on May 7. J. Brian Ferguson continues to serve as chairman and CEO through the annual meeting, after which he will serve as executive chairman of the board.
As a senior vice president, Mr. Johnson, 59, will continue to be responsible for the companys fibers segment. He will also be responsible for the supply chain function, acetyl stream operations, and management of regions outside the United States.
Costa, 43, will continue as an executive vice president and retain responsibility for the companys specialty plastics segment, polyester stream operations, and corporate marketing. New responsibilities for Costa will include the coatings, adhesives, specialty polymers and inks (CASPI) segment, sales, pricing, marketing development and innovation, and sustainability functions.
Lindsay, 50, will become an executive vice president effective May 7, with continuing responsibility for the companys industrial gasification strategy and the Beaumont, Texas, gasification project. In addition, he will be responsible for the performance chemicals and intermediates segment and for the performance polymers segment. He will also oversee the management of olefins stream operations and will be responsible for engineering and construction.