PHILADELPHIA — September 10, 2020 — Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) has announced the appointment of Dr. Suzanne L. Weekes, associate dean of Undergraduate Studies, ad interim, and professor of Mathematical Sciences at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), to the position of executive director. In her new role, Weekes will continue to build SIAM’s reputation as the leading professional society for applied mathematicians and computational scientists.

With a B.S. in Mathematics from Indiana University, a Ph.D. in Mathematics and Scientific Computing from the University of Michigan and having done her post-doctoral work at Texas A&M University, Weekes serves on SIAM’s Council and is a member of the Science Policy committees of both the American Mathematical Society (AMS) and SIAM. As part of her science policy work, Weekes recently chaired the SIAM Task Force on Future Research Directions for NSF in the Era of COVID-19, the goal of which was to make recommendations to NSF on future applied mathematics and computational science research directions given the COVID-19 pandemic.

“After nearly six months of interviewing many extraordinary and passionate candidates, the search committee is proud to appoint Suzanne as SIAM’s third Executive Director,” said Margot Gerritsen, chair of the SIAM Board of Trustees. “In Suzanne’s words, ‘SIAM is the voice of applied mathematics’ and we know that under her leadership, that voice will sound clear and true.”

Weekes is also an At-Large Member of the Executive Committee of the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) and is a member of the National Association of Mathematicians (NAM). She is the recipient of a 2020 Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics from the Mathematical Association of America (MAA). She also received the 2019 Humphreys Award for Mentoring from AWM. Weekes is a past Chair of the SIAM Education Committee and was the faculty founder of the WPI SIAM Student Chapter in 2003, where she has served as the faculty advisor to the chapter since.

“SIAM has always been a special and important organization to me, personally and professionally,” Weekes commented. “In fact, the SIAM Annual Meeting was the first conference I attended when I was a graduate student in the 90s, and a couple years later, the first conference at which I presented. The organization has been instrumental in my career, and what a culmination of that to now have the honor of serving as executive director.”

Weekes’ research work is in numerical methods for differential equations including applications to spatio-temporal composites and cancer growth. She is also focused on initiatives connecting the academic mathematics community to mathematics and statistics work in business, industry, and government, and is passionate about making the mathematical sciences accessible to the public.

“COVID-19 has driven home the critical importance of science, technology, and math,” says Weekes. “In this pandemic era, we are relying on scientists to help us understand, analyze, and solve critical problems — to make us healthy and keep us safe. Research coming out of the SIAM community reflects the best of modern science and technology. We need to make sure that the public and policymakers understand the importance and impact of what applied mathematicians and computational scientists do.”

Weekes will begin her new role January 1, 2021 and succeeds Dr. James M. Crowley, who served SIAM for 25 years as Executive Director and recently retired.

Posted September 14, 2020

Source: Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM)

COLUMBUS, Ohio — September 14, 2020 — Hexion Inc. today announced that Craig Rogerson, chairman, president and CEO, has returned from medical leave, effective today.

“I’m pleased to return, and I’d like to acknowledge George Knight and the senior management team for assuming additional duties during my absence,” said Rogerson. “I would also like to acknowledge all our associates who continue to safely operate our manufacturing sites and remain focused on serving our customers despite ongoing global challenges due to COVID-19.”

George Knight, who served as acting CEO, continues in his role as executive vice president and CFO.

Posted September 14, 2020

Source: Hexion Inc.

UNION, N.J. — September 14, 2020 — Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. has appointed Juan Guerrero as senior vice president (SVP), chief supply chain officer, effective immediately. Guerrero will report directly to COO and President of buybuy BABY, John Hartmann, and be responsible for leading the transformation and optimization of the company’s global supply chain network.

Guerrero will lead Bed Bath & Beyond’s work to reconstruct and modernize supply chain operations as it further improves the omni-always shopping experience for customers. This will include supporting strategic sourcing and the introduction of an array of owned brands, securing faster, more efficient delivery through an optimized store fulfillment network, and driving profitability improvements through the supply chain. Guerrero will lead a cross-functional team to improve the company’s logistics proficiencies and rebuild supply chain infrastructure systems, while leveraging data and analytics to transform and optimize technology, procurement, expenses and network operations.

COO Hartmann said: “Our digital-first customers rely on us to deliver a faster, more convenient and omni-always shopping experience, with a strong assortment of customer-inspired products delivered with clear, compelling value. Juan’s experience implementing supply chain optimization and omni-channel distribution strategies at some of the world’s leading retailers will enable us to accelerate our work to rebuild our authority as we make it even easier to feel at home with Bed Bath & Beyond.”

Prior to joining Bed Bath & Beyond, Guerrero led the supply chain and merchandising teams at FleetPride, before which he was chief global supply chain officer at Bloomin’ Brands, where he managed a complete supply chain transformation to enhance productivity and cash flow for the global restaurant company. Guerrero also previously led the supply chain function at Office Depot and held senior global logistics and supply chain roles at Starbucks Coffee Co., where he oversaw a logistics network that supported more than 16,600 retail and licensed locations.

“I am thrilled to join Bed Bath & Beyond and play my part in accelerating this iconic company’s omni-always transformation,” Guerrero said. “Together with the leadership team, we expect to improve operational performance with strategic relationship management, responsible procurement, and targeted investment to deliver for our customers the truly differentiated array of products they want, when they want, where they want.”

Posted September 14, 2020

Source: AB Bed Bath & Beyond Inc.

FORT SMITH, Arkansas — September 14, 2020 — ABB’s Motors and Generators division has named Jesse Henson president of its U.S. business.

Henson, who has been with the company for 23 years, leads the team responsible for marketing, designing and manufacturing ABB and Baldor-Reliance® industrial electric motors in the United States. Henson will also continue to be the global head of the NEMA motors product group.

“I am honored to lead the US industrial motor business,” said Henson. “Taking care of customers is in our employees’ DNA, and we work hard every day to earn our customers’ business and their preference for our motors. I am committed to maintaining that focus and investing for the future.”

Henson started his career with the company — Baldor Electric Company at that time — in 1997 as part of the drives and motion control team. His customer-first approach has been critical to his success in roles in product management, marketing and sales. His broad experience across both motors and drives provides a strong level of understanding of customer and application needs as well as buying preferences in the U.S. market.

Posted September 14, 2020

Source: ABB Motors and Mechanical Inc.