Bayer MaterialScience names Jerry MacCleary president

Bayer MaterialScience    LLC named Jerry MacCleary president of its North American region starting June 1, the company said Wednesday.

MacCleary will be replacing Greg Babe, who earlier this year said he would be retiring from Bayer this summer. Babe was president and CEO of both Bayer MaterialScience in North America as well as Bayer Corp.    the North American arm of German-based Bayer AG.

MacCleary, 58, joined Bayer in the accounting department in 1979. In addition to this new role he will continue to head the company’s polyurethanes marketing and business development in North America. He has held that position since 2004.

“Jerry brings more than 30 years of experience in Bayer’s materials business to this leadership role,” said Patrick Thomas, president and CEO of Bayer MaterialScience AG, in a written statement. “His knowledge and expertise in this industry will be critical as we look to continue to build on our position in this important region.”

Bayer Corp. has 2,700 employees locally, according to the 2012 Pittsburgh Business Times Book of Lists.