Dow Automotive, a global provider of advanced solutions for vehicle manufacturers and aftermarket repair, has named David Bem as its new Global Research & Development (R&D) director. In his new role, Bem will be responsible for identifying, developing and commercializing new technologies that create sustainable value. He replaces John Hacskaylo, who is now Chief Technology Officer at K-Dow Petrochemicals.

Bem most recently served as senior research director for Dow Hydrocarbons & Energy, Alternative Feedstocks and Basic Chemicals. Prior to joining Dow, he served as global R&D director at Celanese LTD for the Ticona Engineering Resins business. He also led Global Acetyls R&D for the Celanese Engineering Resins business and worked at UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, where he held various positions.

Bem is a certified Six Sigma black belt and holds nine U.S. patents. He has authored more than 20 publications. He earned a Ph.D. in solid state inorganic chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an undergraduate degree in chemistry from West Virginia University. His office will be based in Auburn Hills, MI.

For more information, visit www.dowautomotive.com.