MADISON HEIGHTS, MI -- Henkel has announced the appointment of Craig Bell as sales director, Japanese and Korean key accounts for its North American automotive division effective Jan. 1, 2008. Bell will return to Henkel's Madison Heights, MI, facility after a two-year stint in Dusseldorf, Germany, to lead the Japanese and Korean OEM and automotive component sales teams in North America. He will report to Dan Wohletz, vice president, automotive North America, Henkel.

"Profitably growing Henkel's business with our Japanese and Korean OEM and supplier customers is critical to our continued success in the automotive industry," said Wohletz. "I am confident that Craig will provide the leadership needed to strengthen our current business and will provide the level of global coordination necessary to support this growth."

Throughout his 14-year career with Henkel, Bell has held management roles in Henkel's chemical management and marketing organizations. He currently serves as automotive marketing director in Dusseldorf, responsible for global strategy for the powertrain and components marketing segment.

Bell holds a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Oberlin College in Ohio.