Natural Resources >> CEO Interviews >> June 26, 2014

Interview with the President and CEO: H.B. Fuller Company (FUL)

Owens, James J.
James J. Owens was named President and CEO of H.B. Fuller Company in November 2010, where he is leading the company’s transformation and profitable growth in its targeted markets. He joined H.B. Fuller on Sept. 2, 2008, as Senior Vice President of the Americas region, directing all aspects of the company’s operations in its largest region. Prior to H.B. Fuller, Mr. 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. He also ran the North America adhesives business for Henkel after its acquisition of National Adhesives. Mr. Owens serves on Donaldson Company’s board of directors, and he is also a board member of the Adhesive and Sealant Council, the industry’s premier trade association. He served from 2008 until 2010 as Chairman and from 2006 until 2008 as Treasurer. Mr. Owens holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Delaware and a master’s in business administration from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.  Profile
TWST: You closed one of your European production sites in May. Can you tell us about the factors that contributed to that decision? And, how would you characterize your strategy in Europe at this