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Eastman Chemical Selects New CEO

Chemical producer said Monday James P. Rogers will be the company’s new chief executive starting next May.

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (AP) -- Eastman Chemical Co. said Monday James P. Rogers will be the chemical producer's new chief executive starting next May.

Rogers, 57, was named to the company's board effective immediately as well. He has been president of the company and head of the chemicals and fibers business group since 2006. Rogers joined the company in 1999 as chief financial officer.

Eastman Chemical said J. Brian Ferguson, 54, will continue to serve as chairman and CEO through the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders in May. He will then serve as executive chairman through 2010. Ferguson has been chairman and CEO since 2002.

Shares of the company closed up $2.95, or 10 percent, at $31.77.

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