MIDLAND, Mich. (AP) -- Dow Chemical Co. on Tuesday said chief financial officer Geoffery Merszei will leave that post and take on the roles of president of Dow Europe, Middle East and Africa, chairman of Dow Europe and executive vice president of The Dow Chemical Co.

For the past five years, Merszei, 58, has been the company's CFO. William Weideman, 55, vice president and controller, will assume the role of interim CFO while the company searches for Merszei's replacement.

In his new assignment, Merszei will relocate to the company's European headquarters in Horgen, Switzerland. He will report to company CEO Andrew Liveris.

Merszei will also become chairman of the company's newly established Geographic Leadership Council, which is charged with building Dow's global franchise.