BASF has appointed Matthias Maase director for its new business development operation in the company’s North American Intermediates Re­gional Business Unit based in Flor­ham Park, NJ. He replaces Frank Stein who is returning to BASF’s Ludwigshafen site to a new assignment as group leader for alkylamines and alkylalkanolamines in the BASF Intermediates division.

Dr. Maase began his career with BASF in 1999 in the Chemicals Research & Engineering department in Ludwig­shafen, Germany. His team developed and established BASF’s BASIL technology, the first commercial process utilizing ionic liquids. He next moved to a management position where he was responsible for the marketing of ionic liquids and ionic liquid-based technologies. Hans Vanden Noort has been elected by the board of directors of Jacksonville, FL-based Rayonier as senior vice president and CFO, effective June 1, 2007. Mr. Vanden Noort has served as senior vice president and chief accounting officer since August 2005. In his new position, he will have responsibility for all controllership, treasury, tax, investor relations, internal audit, information technology and risk management functions.

“I am confident that in his expanded role, Mr. Vanden Noort’s extensive financial background, vision and leadership skills will be invaluable in our efforts to further enhance shareholder value,” said Lee Thomas, president and CEO.