Luiz de Mendonca Named CEO of Braskem America

PHILADELPHIA, March 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Braskem today announced that Luiz de Mendonca has been named CEO of Braskem America.  He succeeds Carlos Fadigas, who led Braskem America until his appointment to the role of CEO of Braskem S.A. Mendonca will be based in Philadelphia, PA. In addition to his position as CEO, Mendonca will lead Braskem's international expansion projects, including those already in place in Mexico, Venezuela and Peru as well as the company's green chemical business.

In his most recent role, Mendonca served as CEO of Quattor (Brazilian Petrochemical Company), after Braskem's acquisition of the company in 2010.  Previously, he served as Vice President of Polymers Unit and Vice President of Basic Petrochemicals at Braskem.

"The decision to have Luiz de Mendonca lead Braskem America reinforces the critical role that North American operations play in Braskem's growth strategy.  His arrival will help us move closer towards our goal of becoming the global leader in sustainable chemicals by 2020," said Carlos Fadigas, CEO, Braskem S.A.

A graduate from Sao Paulo University with a degree in Industrial Engineering, Mendonca also received his MBA from INSEAD in France. Mendonca worked for 16 years at Rhodia/Rhone-Poulenc Group with positions in Brazil, Latin America, China, France and the US. In 2001, he was appointed US Vice President of Rhodia/Rhone-Poulenc Group, serving on the company's Operational Committee, before joining Braskem in 2002.

"We have significant plans for Braskem America, and a strong team in place to help achieve our goals.  I will be diving into our business plan this month, and look forward to meeting our clients and strengthening our partnerships," said Luiz de Mendonca.

Since acquiring Sunoco last year, Braskem America has achieved outstanding results, including production and quality records and customer growth.

ABOUT BRASKEM AMERICA

Braskem America is one of the leading producers of polypropylene in the U.S.  Headquartered in Philadelphia, the company has three production facilities located in Texas, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, as well as its Technology and Innovation Center in Pittsburgh. Braskem America is a wholly owned subsidiary of Braskem S.A.

ABOUT BRASKEM S.A.

Braskem is the leading thermoplastic resins producer in the Americas. With 31 industrial plants in Brazil and the United States, the company produces more than 33 billion pounds of thermoplastic resins and other petrochemical products annually.

SOURCE Braskem America