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Former Sumitomo Chemicals and BASF executive to oversee entire operations in Japan for Asia’s largest specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor
SAN FRANCISCO – April 16, 2013 – Connell Brothers, a division of Wilbur-Ellis Company, andthe largest marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and industrial ingredients in Asia-Pacific, has appointed Mr. Iguchi Shinichi, former head of marketing and business development of monomer at Sumitomo Chemicals, based in China, to lead the strategic direction and expand the business operations of Wilbur-Ellis Co. Japan. The company has operated in Osaka and Tokyo since the late 1940s.
“Under Shinichi’s leadership, we are looking forward to a new era of growth in our existing and future business for customers and suppliers in Japan,” said Azita Owlia, vice president of Connell Brothers, North Asia.
“Shinichi will play a critical role in setting the strategic direction for each market segment, and identifying and promoting new opportunities for the business.”
With his successful track record in operational and strategic roles at both Sumitomo Chemicals and BASF, Connell Brothers is confident that he will further strengthen and develop the company’s position in Japan’s market, noted Owlia.
In his role with Sumitomo chemicals, he led the start-up of JV production in the Middle East and pre-marketing of ethylene derivatives in Asia-Pacific, which resulted in sales of over $700M in Asia through the company’s own channels. He also led the team responsible for business development and growth in Asia. During his career at BASF, he successfully set-up plants in Malaysia and China for acrylic monomers production and
For more information, please visit www.wilburellis.com