Sep 20 2007
Metabolix Inc. has announced that Telles, its joint venture with Archer Daniels Midland that produces Mirel(TM) bioplastics, has appointed four individuals to support technical operations, product marketing, and European sales of Mirel. Joining Telles are Frank J. Popola, Compounding Technology and Operations Manager; Holly Wilson-Jene, Director of Product Marketing; Sally Kline, Ph.D., Director of Technology; and Diether Hesse, Commercial Director Europe.
"This impressive expansion to the Telles team illustrates the dramatic growth in demand for Mirel bioplastics and the company's future global success and expansion," said Bob Findlen, vice president, sales and marketing, Metabolix.
Mirel is a new family of bioplastics made from corn that provides an excellent alternative to traditional petroleum-based plastics. Unlike conventional plastics, Mirel biodegrades in a variety of environments including soil, home compost, wetlands, rivers and oceans.
Frank J. Popola is a well-rounded plastics industry professional, bringing 25 years of experience in business, development, sales, operations, and technical management. Frank is responsible for developing the compounding infrastructure to support the supply of Mirel bioplastics to customers. Prior to joining Metabolix, he was Technology Manager at Century Extrusion and Manager of International and Indirect Sales at Century, Inc. Frank holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology in Newark, N.J.
Holly Wilson-Jene has an extensive background in polymer sales and marketing. Holly is responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies, developing support tools for existing markets and identifying new markets for Mirel. She brings 20 years of experience in marketing and sales. Prior to joining Metabolix, she was Marketing Director at NOVA Chemicals in Moon Township, Pa. Holly holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, Mass., and an MBA from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.
Sally Kline, Ph.D., brings more than 20 years of experience in plastics technology research, development and commercialization. Sally is responsible for all product development, applications and formulations for new grades of Mirel. Prior to joining Metabolix, she spent more than five years at The PolyOne Corporation in Avon Lake, Ohio, serving as director of technology, engineering materials. Sally holds a Doctorate of Engineering in Macromolecular Science at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
Diether Hesse is based in Switzerland and has a 15 year track record in Polymer Marketing and Sales. At Telles he is responsible for developing and managing the European/MEAF business for Mirel bioplastics. Prior to joining Telles, he spent 8 years with NOVA Chemicals where he held leadership roles in Marketing and Sales. Diether is a Graduate in Marketing and Economics from the Universities of Bochum, Germany and Le Mans, France.
http://www.metabolix.com
20th September 2007