H.B. Fuller Co. has announced that its board of directors has appointed Jim Owens to succeed Michele Volpi as president and CEO and director, effective immediately. Volpi will step down from the board of directors.

“On behalf of the board, I extend our thanks to Michele,” said Lee Mitau, chairman of the board. “We appreciate his more than eight years of service to H.B. Fuller, the last four as president and CEO. During his tenure, Michele defined a new strategic direction, managed the company through the global recession and led the company’s recent investments in talent, customer facing organizations and technology. We wish Michele the best going forward.

“The board is pleased to appoint Jim Owens as president and CEO. Owens has successfully managed the largest region of this company and his transition into the CEO role is a natural progression for him. His 24 years of industry experience, and a track record of proven results, uniquely positions him to be successful. We’re confident that in his new role the company will benefit greatly from his capabilities, knowledge and experience.”

Owens, H.B. Fuller senior vice president, Americas, joined the company in 2008. He has delivered two successive years of profit growth in Fuller’s North American business, has led the transformation of the company’s Latin American businesses and has been instrumental in driving the growth agenda for the company worldwide. He previously spent 22 years with National Starch’s adhesives business, a division of ICI, in a variety of management positions. In addition, he served on the board of directors for the Adhesive and Sealant Council, Inc. for the past seven years, most recently as chairman.

For additional details, visit www.hbfuller.com.