NATION

Dow Chemical Chairman Robert W. Lundeen will retire in May after 3 1/2 years in the position and will be replaced by President Paul F. Oreffice, the company said.

Lundeen, chairman since July, 1982, said he announced his retirement now “to ensure an orderly transition of my responsibilities as chairman.” He reaches the mandatory retirement age of 65 in June.

Oreffice will retain his titles of president and chief executive when he assumes the chairmanship of the Midland, Mich.-based company, Dow Chemical said.