People On The Move: January/February 2007

Kuhlmann CEO of Multivac, CRFA vice-president, Manitoba-Saskatchewan, Multisorb appoints new market leader, Schneider GM of Zip-Pak, New president Alcoa flexible packaging

Kuhlmann CEO of Multivac
Multivac Inc., of Kansas City, has appointed Jan Kulhmann as president and CEO.  “Along with an outstanding record of business development and sales growth throughout his career, Jan Kuhlmann has a rare knowledge of the packaging machinery business and the industries we serve.  We are very pleased to welcome him to Multivac,” said Wolf Stromberg, board member. Kuhlmann joins the company with over 25 years of experience in the capital equipment business, most recently serving as president of Wolf-Tec Inc.

CRFA vice-president, Manitoba-Saskatchewan
President Douglas Needham announced that Courtney Donovan is the new vice-president, Manitoba-Saskatchewan, for the Canadian Restaurant and Foodservices Association (CRFA). Donovan will establish a regional office in Winnipeg to better serve CRFA members in the Prairie provinces, making it the CRFA’s fifth regional office, joining Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario and Western Canada, with representation delivered by experienced government affairs professionals.

Multisorb appoints new market leader
Multisorb Technologies, a leading manufacturer of sorbent, desiccant and oxygen absorbing technologies, announced the promotion of John F. Solomon to market leader, specialty foods.  In his new role, Solomon will be responsible for expanding the company’s business in diverse food packaging markets, including organics and natural foods. “John brings over 15 years of experience in the packaging industry to this position,” said Multisorb Director of Sales Steve Lloyd. “He has helped expand our market reach into new areas through his deep understanding of customer needs. Multisorb will rely on his leadership to develop partnerships with all customers in the specialty foods industry.” 

Schneider GM of Zip-Pak
Zip-Pak, a world leader in resealable packaging solutions, named John Schneider as vice-president and general manager, responsible for five businesses in North America.  He will oversee new product development, manufacturing and commercial activities, as well as focusing on increasing the company’s presence in the markets it serves and developing novel applications for them.  “This promotion acknowledges Schneider’s many accomplishments during his tenure with Zip-Pack, and empowers him with greater responsibility to manage five key business units,” said Jim Kohl, president of Zip-Pak.

New president Alcoa flexible packaging
Jeffrey Kellar has joined Alcoa as president of its flexible packaging business, based in Richmond, Va.  The company is an industry leader in the production and conversion of flexible and thermoformed packaging used in various markets, including food and beverage, and retail.  Kellar had been vice-president, strategic development and marketing, for Tetra Pak Inc., USA.  “Jeff has extensive experience in the food and beverage industry from operations through consumer marketing and new product development.  We’re pleased to have him join Alcoa,” said Paul Thomas, Alcoa executive vice-president and group president of packaging and consumer products. 

McGowan president of Crown Holdings NA
Crown Holdings, Inc., a leading supplier of packaging products to consumer marketing companies around the world, promoted Raymond L. McGowan Jr. to President of its North American food packaging business, which includes the company’s Canadian food business.  “We expect this combination of our U.S. and Canadian food packaging operations to facilitate synergies and improve manufacturing capabilities,” said Frank J. Mechura, president of Crown’s Americas division.

Anderol new vice-president Japan region
Tatsuo Nagatomo is the new vice-president and general manager of Anderol Inc.’s Japan office.  He replaces Yasuo Okada, who recently retired.  Anderol is a leading worldwide manufacturer of synthetic lubricants serving customers in a number of markets, including food and beverage. Nagatomo will be actively involved in seeking opportunities for driving brand awareness and co-ordinating activities of research and development, purchasing and distribution.