Reichhold names Krall president and CEO

Kawashima will serve as adviser to Reichhold's Board of Directors through June while he will continue his responsibilities as chairman and CEO for DIC Imaging Products and as senior vice president for DIC International.

"I have enjoyed my time at Reichhold," said Kawashima. "Gary and I have worked closely together for the past two and a half years. He is a solid leader who has made remarkable changes for Reichhold since his appointment to president and COO last April. He will be a positive force for continuing to achieve Reichhold's business goals," he continued.

As president and CEO, Krall will report to Reichhold's Board of Directors in Tokyo, Japan. Krall's emphasis will be on strengthening Reichhold's global position in its composites and coating and performance resins businesses to make the company stronger and more competitive. In addition, he will focus on growth opportunities for the company and synergies with its parent company, Dainippon Ink and Chemicals (DIC).

"We want to be a global solution provider for all of our customers regardless of their location," said Krall. "Our industry is changing, and the needs of the marketplace are changing. Besides the need to be brilliant at the basics, we must constantly strive for innovation in everything we do."

Prior to assuming the position of president and COO, Krall served as senior vice president of North America. He joined Reichhold in 1998 with 23 years of experience as a leader with several different companies. Krall received his Bachelor and Masters of Business Administration, Finance, from the University of Toledo.

Kawashima has over 40 years of chemical industry experience. He previously worked for Mitsui and Company, one of the largest trading companies in Japan, for 39 years when he retired in March of 1999.