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Azita Owlia, formerly of Bayer Material Science, will oversee operations and business development in North Asia for Asia’s largest specialty chemicals and ingredients distributor
SAN FRANCISCO – Nov. 29, 2011 –– Connell Brothers, a division of Wilbur-Ellis Company, andthe largest marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific, has hired Azita Owlia, a former senior vice president at Bayer Material Science, to oversee and expand its business operations in North Asia, including mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
The newly created position of vice president, North Asia, reflects the dramatic growth of Connell Brothers’ business during the past decade. North Asia now represents a very significant share of the company’s overall sales revenue. Owlia, who will be based in Hong Kong, will support and strengthen the company’s business platform in the region.
“As we continue to grow our business and services for customers and suppliers, North Asia, under Owlia’s leadership, will be a key focus area for the company,” said Ted Eliot, president of Connell Brothers. “Owlia will play a critical role in identifying and promoting new opportunities and will develop a strategic direction for each country and market segment. With her successful track record of building dynamic multinational teams, implementing long-term strategies and developing innovative market solutions, we are confident that she will further advance our market position in the region.”
Owlia has a Ph.D. in Chemistry, an MBA, and more than 20 years of industry experience.
In her most recent role with Bayer Material Science, she led a polyurethane and thermoplastic urethane business with more than 850 employees and sales of more than $1 billion USD. She has also held various vice president and management roles during her tenure with the company.
“I am delighted to be a part of Connell Brothers and look forward to working with the accomplished teams and country managers to build on the company’s more than 100 years of success,” Owlia said. ”I believe our combined competencies will further enhance our relationships and presence across North Asia, and will continue to provide Connell Brothers’ valued customers and suppliers with high-quality services and technical capabilities.”
About Connell Brothers
Connell Brothers, based in San Francisco, is a division of Wilbur-Ellis Company and is the largest marketer and distributor of specialty chemicals and ingredients in Asia-Pacific. With over 100 years in Asia and a keen focus on technical service, customer support and quality control, Connell Brothers provides complete supply chain management from transportation, documentation, warehousing, and sales and distribution in 17 countries and in 36 offices located throughout Asia-Pacific.
For more information, please visit www.wilburellis.com