Michelman recently announced it is making substantial changes to its organizational structure. The improved structure is designed to optimally support Michelman’s current growth and enable the company to efficiently explore and embrace future growth opportunities.

Michelman’s corporate structure is broken into four business units (BU): Paper and Corrugated, Flexible Packaging, Fibers and Composites, and Chemical Specialties. Four new global BU managers have been promoted from within, with responsibilities for all aspects of their respective business units. Steve Ruehrwein has been promoted to the position of global business unit manager, Chemical Specialties; Bruce Berglund, Ph.D., is the new global business unit manager, Paper; Yves De Smet, Ph.D., will serve as global business unit manager, Fibers and Composites; and Bjarne Ry Schmidt has been promoted to global business unit manager, Flexible Packaging.

In addition, three executives have been repositioned within the organization, with responsibility for sales, marketing and technology development, respectively, across all business units. Marty Riehemann has been named VP/chief Commercial officer, and will be responsible for the growth and continued improvement of customer satisfaction levels in all four business units. Bob Poletti has been named VP/chief Marketing and Business Development Officer and will be responsible for corporate-wide marketing activities, as well as the exploration and development of new markets and new opportunities. Poletti will also head a new “Ventures” initiative, which includes acquisitions, joint ventures, and all non-organic growth of the company.

Rick Michelman, Ph.D., has been appointed VP/Chief Technology officer, and will be the driving force behind the company’s technology and materials development. Michelman’s role in this area is critical to the long-term viability of the company. He will also drive new product development activities in the business units, and support the exploration and development of new venture opportunities.

For more information, visit www.michelman.com.