A Columbus-based company specializing in thermoset resins has named one of its own executives to the newly minted position of chief operating officer in a move to reorganize.

Last week, Hexion Inc. appointed Joseph “Jody” Bevilaqua to the post, part of the company’s broader corporate reorganization, according to a press statement.

Bevilaqua had been serving as executive vice president and president of the Epoxy, Phenolic and Coating Resins Division of the company until the appointment last week, which was to become effective immediately.

He, now, will oversee all aspects of the company’s operations for both business divisions, including global responsibility for the manufacturing, supply chain, commercial, and environmental, health and safety functions.

“I am pleased to name Jody to this newly created role for Hexion,” said Hexion Chairman, President and CEO Craig Morrison. “Jody is uniquely qualified to serve as COO considering his commercial, manufacturing and operational expertise, as well as a proven track record of driving global growth initiatives across our entire product portfolio.

“The COO structure will provide a unified focus across all of our business units, increase the overall speed of decision making and deliver additional savings by reducing corporate overhead costs.”

The company’s reorganization aim is to streamline and “de-layer” organizational structure, the statement detailed.

The move is in conjunction with the departure of Dale Plante, executive vice president and president of the Forest Products Division.

Plante is expected to remain in an advisory role through mid-2017 to ensure a smooth transition.

Bevilaqua, who holds bachelor’s degrees in economics and business administration from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, joined Hexion in April 2002 as vice president of Corporate Strategy and Development.

He subsequently served as executive vice president and president of the Phenolic and Forest Products Division before adding more responsibilities to his most recent position.

He previously served as the vice president and general manager of Alcan’s global plastics packaging business and in leadership positions with companies, such as General Electric, Woodbridge Foam Corporation and Russell-Stanley Corporation.

The company expects to continue to report its financial results based on its current reportable segments: Epoxy, Phenolic and Coating Resins and Forest Products Resins.

Hexion, formerly known as Momentive Specialty Chemicals Inc., serves the global wood and industrial markets through a range of thermoset technologies, specialty products and technical support.

It is controlled by investment funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management LLC.