WCA November 2023

People

Teknor Apex announces new CEO Teknor Apex has a long history of helping customers find product solutions within the plastics industry. For the past 51 years, Jonathan Fain has led the organisation, developing long-term partnerships with the company’s suppliers and customers. During his tenure, company revenue has grown by more than 650 per cent; the company has expanded beyond North America to secure a global footprint, while completing 11 acquisitions.

supporting our growth, innovation and sustainability for years to come.” Mr Wiseman, the new CEO, has a strong history within the plastics industry and a deep expertise in masterbatches and compounding. Most recently he held the position of CEO at Star Plastics. Previously,

Donald Wiseman

Mr Fain has now decided to step aside as CEO of the company. He will remain a major stakeholder and will continue serving as chairman of the board – a position he assumed from his father. The new Teknor Apex CEO is Donald Wiseman.

he was the president for performance products and solutions with PolyOne; managing director and general manager in Tai wan for Cabot Microelectronics; and held various leadership roles at Americhem. He will be relocating from Cleveland, USA, to work at the Teknor Apex headquarters in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, USA. “I am very excited to join the leadership team of Teknor Apex,” said Mr Wiseman. “What began almost 100 years ago as a small venture in Rhode Island is now among the world’s leading custom compounders. I firmly believe that people and culture are a true competitive advantage for Teknor.” Teknor Apex www.teknorapex.com

“I have had the privilege and honour to lead a great company for over 50 years, and while I am not retiring, I do want to hand over the day-to-day responsibility to someone who can drive to keep the company strong, growing and build upon our culture,” said Mr Fain. “I am very confident in our future leadership and plans for

Jonathan Fain

Holger Lieder joins executive board at Sikora The supervisory board of Sikora AG has appointed Holger Lieder to the executive board, with effect from 1 September 2023. In his new function, Mr Lieder takes over responsibility for the areas of sales, marketing and service.

Mr Lieder said, “I would like to thank the Sikora family and the su pervisory board for the trust they have placed in me; and I would like to thank my colleague in the execu tive board, Dr Christian Frank, for the positive and trusting discus sions, as well as the constructive cooperation over the last several months. I am very much looking forward to my new responsibilities

In September last year, Mr Lieder provisionally took over the management of the marketing and service departments in addition to his position as sales director. During the last year, he has gained a deeper understanding of the two departments and successfully developed them further. “Holger Lieder has an excellent knowledge of the company and, thanks to his expertise as well as his objective and level-headed manner, he is held in high regard by both our customers and our employees,” said Prof Thomas Sikora, chairman of the supervisory board of Sikora AG. “He has more than 30 years of experience in sales and brings a comprehensive technical understanding of Sikora technologies and market requirements.” Georg Brunstam passes away Georg Brunstam, the CEO and president of Hexpol, has passed away suddenly. “It is with great shock and grief that we have received this sad notification,” said Hexpol chairman Alf Göransson. Mr Brunstam joined Hexpol as CEO and president in 2008. Since then, both in the role of CEO but also during a period as chairman of the board, he has developed Hexpol into a leading company in the polymer compounds market. “Georg will be deeply missed within Hexpol, both on a personal and on a professional level,” said Mr Göransson. The board of directors will now start the search for a new CEO and president. Peter Rosén has been appointed acting CEO and

Holger Lieder

and would like to concentrate above all on continuing to pro vide our customers with solutions for their needs. We want to expand the market potential and develop our service to further increase customer satisfaction. In doing so, I see open, good communication and cooperation at eye level with our partners and employees as the basis for a successful future.” Sikora AG www.sikora.net

president during this process. Since 2018, Mr Brunstam had also been chairman of the board of AAK, a plant-based oil specialist. AAK CEO Johan Westman said, “Georg will be remembered as a warm, highly ethical and assertive leader with exceptional business acumen.” AAK’s board has appointed Patrik Andersson as interim chairman until a new chairman is elected by general meeting. Mr Andersson has been a member of AAK’s board of directors since 2019, and also serves as chairman or board member for several other companies. Hexpol AB AAK AB www.hexpol.com www.aak.com

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November 2023