OREANDA-NEWS. The Board of Directors of Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE), a global technology and specialty materials company, today announced that William M. Brown has been elected to the company’s Board of Directors. Brown, 53, is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Harris Corporation and will join Celanese as a board member effective January 1, 2016.

“A respected CEO and industry leader, Bill’s background, commercial insight and experience expanding business and market access will bring new perspectives to an already strong and diverse Board of Directors,” said Mark Rohr, Celanese chairman and chief executive officer. “We look forward to his ability to help us identify intriguing new growth opportunities. His ingenuity and proven skill developing alternative strategies while enhancing margins – especially with acquisitions – is right on target to further our vision to be our customers’ first-choice chemistry solution provider.”

Brown recently guided Harris Corporation through its largest acquisition that created a stronger business with greater growth potential. Before joining Harris Corporation, Brown served in a number of executive roles at United Technologies Corporation from 1997 to 2011. Most recently, he led UTC Fire & Security, a $6.5 billion division with operations in 35 countries where he successfully completed more than 35 acquisitions creating the second largest organization in the global fire safety and electric security market. Brown also separately led the Asia Pacific Region and Transicold division for UTC’s Carrier Corporation subsidiary.

Brown currently serves on The President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In addition to a Master of Business Administration, he has bachelor and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and started his career as an engineer with a chemical company.

Mr. Brown’s appointment brings Celanese’s Board to ten members, of which nine are independent.

About Celanese

Celanese Corporation is a global technology leader in the production of differentiated chemistry solutions and specialty materials used in most major industries and consumer applications. With sales almost equally divided between North America, Europe and Asia, the company uses the full breadth of its global chemistry, technology and business expertise to create value for customers and the corporation. Celanese partners with customers to solve their most critical needs while making a positive impact on its communities and the world. Based in Dallas, Texas, Celanese employs approximately 7,500 employees worldwide and had 2014 net sales of $6.8 billion.