Alene Candles Has a New COO

Alene Candles, a full-service contract and private-label candle and home fragrance manufacturer, has named Martin Avila its new chief operating officer.

Avila will oversee manufacturing operations across Alene’s facilities in Ohio and New Hampshire, leading engineering, supply chain, logistics and sourcing, while driving operational efficiency, cost management and company growth.

“Alene is exceptionally well positioned in the market, with a strong reputation and a high-quality product,” Avila said. “My focus will be on strengthening our operational capabilities toward over-delivering on customer expectations, simplifying processes, enhancing automation and aligning teams so we can continue to grow, while preserving the culture and creativity that makes Alene unique.”

Leadership Roles at Fortune 500 Companies

Avila is an experienced global business operations executive with a background in electrical and mechanical engineering. He has held global leadership roles at several Fortune 500 companies across industries, including automotive, electronics, metal-mechanics, green energy, automation, capital equipment, and consumer goods, where he has led cross-functional teams and complex operational initiatives.

Alene president and CEO Raj Chary said Avila shares in its future vision.

“We’re excited for the leadership, global perspective and operational and engineering expertise he brings to the team,” he said.

Avila began managing teams early in his career and has built a leadership philosophy grounded in collaboration, accountability and cultural awareness. He believes aligning mission, strategy and execution, while empowering employees with a clear understanding of both expectations and purpose, is key to sustained success.

“Strategic thinking is essential, and when teams understand the ‘why’ behind their work and feel empowered to execute, continuous improvement becomes part of the culture,” Avila said.