The Adhesive and Sealant Council (ASC) announced the induction of James J. Owens, president and CEO of the H.B. Fuller Co., into ASC’s Class of 2022 Hall of Fame. Owens also becomes the first-ever inductee. The ASC Hall of Fame honors outstanding individuals who, through their career in the adhesive and sealant industry, have made significant contributions to the betterment of the industry ASC represents.
Owens was named president and CEO of H.B. Fuller Co. in November 2010, where he led the company’s transformation and profitable growth in its targeted markets. He joined H.B. Fuller on September 2, 2008, as senior vice president of the Americas region. Prior to H.B. Fuller, Owens spent 22 years with National Adhesives, a division of ICI (Imperial Chemical Industries Limited), in a variety of management positions. These included corporate vice president and general manager of the North American adhesives business; division vice president and general manager, Europe; business director for the pressure sensitive and laminating adhesives business unit; marketing manager; and technical services manager. Owens also ran the North American adhesives business for Henkel after its acquisition of National Adhesives. Owens served eight years on the ASC board of directors, as chairman of the board and as treasurer. Thanks to his board leadership, Owens successfully guided the organization following the 2008-2009 economic recession.