Charles Sternberg, Assistant Editor02.11.21
Inolex has expanded its leadership team, naming Kevin Hrebenar, VP operations; Alanna Smith, site lead Charlotte, USA; and Ted Laarkamp VP, global supply chain. The enhanced leadership structure reflects the company’s focus on manufacturing and global operations.
“Bringing dedicated expertise to these areas is paramount as we continue to scale our global enterprise and ensure continuity of supply for our customers worldwide,” said David Plimpton, Inolex CEO.
“These individuals are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about our manufacturing operations,” noted Plimpton. “Together they are a driving force in realizing our vision as both a world-class innovator and a manufacturer of plant-based, sustainable ingredients.”
“Bringing dedicated expertise to these areas is paramount as we continue to scale our global enterprise and ensure continuity of supply for our customers worldwide,” said David Plimpton, Inolex CEO.
- Kevin Hrebenar, VP operations, will lead strategic planning and operations for Inolex’s flagship manufacturing in Charlotte, USA. Hrebenar is an industry veteran, with a robust career spanning over 35-years in the specialty chemicals industry. Most recently, he served as VP operations, R&D at Dooley Chemicals. Hrebenar will leverage his background in surface and colloid chemistry as well as business management to build the company’s production platform for greater efficiency and sustainability. A key focus will be instilling best practices to build a world-class safety culture throughout the company.
- Alanna Smith has been promoted to site lead, Charlotte. Smith will oversee the day-to-day production at the company’s US manufacturing facility. She brings extensive Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) experience to Inolex, having worked over a decade as an EHS Leader at Dow Chemical. Smith’s background will be instrumental in shaping higher environmental and sustainability standards at Inolex. Reporting into Kevin Hrebenar, VP operations, Smith will lead the local operations team and ensure proficiency of the site’s production capabilities.
- Ted Laarkamp VP, global supply chain, will work across the organization to build out the global logistics network of the business. He will oversee the company’s regional manufacturing in Brazil and Korea, and drive improvements in inventory management and warehousing, including logistics and shipping, across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. On the technology front, Laarkamp will further develop the company’s Material Requirements Planning (MRP) platform for global production optimization. He is charged with advancing the procurement of strategic and sustainable raw materials as well as bringing forth greater transparency on feedstock origins.
“These individuals are deeply knowledgeable and passionate about our manufacturing operations,” noted Plimpton. “Together they are a driving force in realizing our vision as both a world-class innovator and a manufacturer of plant-based, sustainable ingredients.”
