Jose Maria Bermudez has been named director of US-based chemical company Rohm and Haas’ Latin American Region and appointed to the company’s leadership council, effective April 1. He succeeds Carlos Festa, who left the company at the end of March after a 20-year career.

In his new role Mr Bermudez will maintain his present responsibilities as Latin American region general manager, Paint and Coatings Materials, as well as taking on responsibility for the execution of the company’s growth plans in the region towards its Vision 2010 and providing support and infrastructure for the business to be able to implement global and regional strategies.

Mr Bermudez joined Rohm and Haas Company in 1989, and has held increasing levels of responsibility in a variety of roles including Operations, Human Resources, Sales and General Management. In 2000, he became country manager of Rohm and Haas Mexico and in 2002 was named CIS business manager for the region.