HOUSTON, Jan. 3, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ --

Westlake Chemical Corporation (NYSE: WLK) announced today that it has named Andrew Johannesen, 43, as Vice President-Treasurer.

Mr. Johannesen will be responsible for managing corporate finance, credit, investor relations and risk management. Johannesen has over 19 years of treasury, capital markets, corporate development, accounting and auditing experience. Most recently he served as Vice President and Treasurer for RRI Energy, Inc. (formerly Reliant Energy, Inc.).

"We are delighted Andrew has joined our financial management team and believe his extensive experience in corporate finance will further strengthen our leadership team and help position us for future growth," said Steve Bender, Sr. Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Johannesen holds a B.A. in Economics from Haverford College and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago, Booth School of Business.

Westlake Chemical Corporation is a manufacturer and supplier of petrochemicals, polymers and fabricated products with headquarters in Houston, Texas. The company's range of products includes ethylene, polyethylene, styrene, propylene, VCM, PVC and PVC pipe, windows and fence. For more information visit the company's web page at www.westlake.com.

SOURCE Westlake Chemical Corporation