USA: KoSa Board Chooses Gregory For New CEO

The KoSa board of directors has voted unanimously to appoint George B. Gregory as the company's new president and chief executive officer, effective immediately. He succeeds Pedro Haas, who has resigned his position to pursue other interests.Gregory has served as KoSa's chief operating officer since its formation in December 1998, with responsibility for the company's businesses and operations. Prior to joining KoSa, he was executive vice president for Koch Chemicals in Wichita, Kansas.Of the leadership change, KoSa Chairman Isaac Saba said: "Our board of directors is very pleased that George Gregory has accepted the position of KoSa president and CEO. He has proven to be a very talented leader and has earned his new responsibility. We are confident in his abilities to lead KoSa for years to come."We also wish to thank Pedro Haas for his contributions to KoSa during the company's first 18 months of operation and wish him well in his future endeavors.""I am flattered by the board's confidence and excited by the challenge of leading KoSa," said Gregory. "We have assembled a very talented team across our global operations, and I look forward to working with everyone to help achieve our shareholders' objective of profitable growth."No changes are planned in KoSa's organizational structure. Haas' staff will now report to Gregory, while the businesses and operations will continue to report to him.KoSa is one of the world's largest polyester producers. The company manufactures specialty and commodity polyester products as part of four global businesses: Packaging Resins, Intermediates and Polymers, Technical Fibers (Technical Filament and Tirecord), and Textile Fibers. With global headquarters in Houston, Texas, KoSa employs 10,000 people worldwide.