THE WOODLANDS, Texas, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Huntsman Corporation (NYSE: HUN) today announced the appointment of Anthony P. Hankins, President of the Company's Polyurethanes division, to the new role of Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific.

The role has been created to provide leadership and co-ordination of Huntsman's rapidly expanding presence in the region and will be based in new regional headquarters in Hong Kong.  Mr. Hankins will facilitate the corporate and cross-divisional activities required to deliver growth, including investments and partnerships, strengthening the Company's asset base, developing people capability and building relationships with governmental organizations and other key stakeholders.  

Commenting on the appointment, Peter R. Huntsman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Huntsman Corporation said, "I am delighted that Tony Hankins is taking on this important challenge.  Asia Pacific already accounts for a quarter of our global sales, but we have recognized that we need to accelerate our investment in people and physical assets to strengthen our long-term position in this exciting market.  Tony has extensive experience of working and living in the region, he has a deep understanding of the Huntsman business and culture and so is perfectly suited to guide this next stage development of our Company in Asia."

Mr. Hankins will continue as President of the Polyurethanes division, which will relocate its global headquarters from The Woodlands, Texas to Hong Kong during the course of 2011.  

About Huntsman:

Huntsman is a global manufacturer and marketer of differentiated chemicals.  Our operating companies manufacture products for a variety of global industries, including chemicals, plastics, automotive, aviation, textiles, footwear, paints and coatings, construction, technology, agriculture, health care, detergent, personal care, furniture, appliances and packaging.  Originally known for pioneering innovations in packaging and, later, for rapid and integrated growth in petrochemicals, Huntsman today has more than 11,000 employees and operates from multiple locations worldwide.  The Company had 2010 revenues of over $9 billion.  For more information about Huntsman, please visit the Company's website at www.huntsman.com.

Forward-Looking Statements:

Statements in this release that are not historical are forward-looking statements. These statements are based on management's current beliefs and expectations. The forward-looking statements in this release are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances and involve risks and uncertainties that may affect the company's operations, markets, products, services, prices and other factors as discussed in the Huntsman companies' filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Significant risks and uncertainties may relate to, but are not limited to, financial, economic, competitive, environmental, political, legal, regulatory and technological factors.  In addition, the completion of any transactions described in this release is subject to a number of uncertainties and closing will be subject to approvals and other customary conditions. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that such transactions will be completed or that the company's expectations will be realized. The company assumes no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by applicable laws.

SOURCE Huntsman Corporation