Heinz-J. Otto To Become President Of Behr America

Troy, April 28, 2009: Heinz-J. Otto has been named president of Behr America, a leading supplier of automotive air-conditioning and engine-cooling systems, effective June 1.

Otto comes to Behr with extensive senior management experience with major industrial and auto supplier-companies.

He previously was the CEO of KSB AG based in Frankenthal, Germany. He began his business career with General Electric in 1974 where he went on to hold various key positions, including managing director of GE Plastics Germany, general manager of GE Automation and president and CEO of GE Fanuc Automation - Europe. He later served as the member of the executive board of Landis & Gyr; president for composite systems at Owens Corning, and CEO of Grammer AG.

“Heinz Otto will provide strong leadership based on the wealth of experience which Behr America will certainly benefit from, especially at this extremely difficult time for the automotive industry,” said Dr. Markus Flik, chairman of Behr America and chief executive officer of the Behr Group. “His leadership experience spans the U.S., European and Asian markets which gives him an invaluable perspective.”

Otto succeeds Frank Mueller, who recently announced that he is leaving the company to pursue other career opportunities.

“Frank Mueller has been an integral part of the Behr America management team for more than a decade, first as its chief financial officer, and in the last four years, as its president,” Markus Flik noted. “All of us at Behr wish him the very best in his future endeavors and thank him for his contributions in establishing our leadership position in North America.”

Otto is a graduate of London South Bank University.