Songwon appoints Executive Vice President of Operations for Japan

Songwon, the second largest manufacturer of polymer stabilizers in the world, and a leading global supplier of additives and other chemicals to the plastic industry, has appointed Shunichi (Shun) Watanabe as their new Executive Vice President (EVP) of Operations for Japan as of April 1st 2013.

Shun has almost 30 years of experience in the chemical industry, working for a number of international corporations in Japan as well as overseas where he has held leadership roles in general management, sales and marketing, and business development.

In this new position with Songwon, his main responsibilities will be in business development, corporate development and to support the president and other functions of Songwon Japan. Shun will represent Songwon Japan towards the senior management of Songwon’s business partners in Japan and relevant organizations in the Japanese chemical industry.

Shun will report locally to Jaewon Choi, President of Songwon Japan and globally to Maurizio Butti, Songwon’s Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Songwon Industrial Group Executive Committee.

Maurizio Butti, Songwon’s Chief Operating Officer, said: “Appointing Shun to this important role is a confirmation of Songwon’s commitment to our customers and business partners in Japan and a recognition of our continuous strive to be the partner of choice for the polymer industry.

“Shun’s experience and stature in the Japanese chemical industry will form a strong foundation for Songwon to build close relationships with the decision makers in the polymers arena. Shun’s dual reporting lines will ensure that Songwon continues to develop strategic alliances with key business partners, as well as highlighting emerging opportunities for future growth. We are pleased to welcome Shun to our dynamic Songwon team in Japan.”

Shun Watanabe holds a Masters degree in Applied Sciences in Polymer Chemistry from the Nagoya Institute of Technology. Prior to joining Songwon, Shun held senior positions at DNT (Dai Nippon Toryo) Singapore Pte. Ltd., Chemipro Kasei Kaisha Ltd., as well as Ciba Specialty Chemicals K.K. and Musashino-Geigy Co., Ltd.