As it moves toward a merger with DuPont, Dow Chemical has appointed James R. (“Jim”) Fitterling as its new president and chief operating officer.

Fitterling, whose career with Dow thus far has spanned 32 years, was previously vice chairman and chief operating officer. In his new position, he will continue to have executive accountability for all of the US chemical giant’s businesses, excluding Dow AgroSciences.

As president, Fitterling succeeds Andrew Liveris, who was also company chairman. Liveris will become executive chairman of the new DowDuPont.

Dow said the executive will "play a central role in helping drive the successful completion" of the proposed merger and the "subsequent establishment of its three independent public companies."

Other than the role of Liveris and that of current DuPont CEO Edward Breen as CEO of the merged company, executive appointments – in particular for the successor companies – have not yet been revealed. However, those who play important roles in the merger transition are thought likely to fill key positions.