Teknor Apex has a new CEO

Teknor Apex has a new CEO, Donald Wiseman.

The company, which makes vinyls and thermoplastics products sold in hardware stores, said the new CEO has, “a robust history within the plastics industry and a deep expertise in masterbatches and compounding.”

Wiseman said: “I am excited to join the leadership team of Teknor Apex. What began almost 100 years ago as a small venture in Rhode Island is now among the world’s leading custom compounders.”

He said: “I firmly believe that people and culture are a true competitive advantage for Teknor. I will demonstrate this by removing barriers, collaborating, and rewarding performance to ambitious goals and solve the most demanding business problems, all while emerging a more robust team.”

He takes over the private family-owned company from Jonathan Fain, grandson of the founder, Alfred A. Fain, who started the company in 1924.

For the past 51 years, Fain has led the organization to develop long term partnerships with the company’s suppliers and customers in order to build a strong, resilient company, said the firm.

Fain decided to step aside as CEO, but said he will remain a major stakeholder and continue serving as board chair; a position he assumed from his father.

“I have had the privilege and honor to lead a great company for over 50 years, and while I am not retiring, I do want to hand over the day-to-day responsibility to someone who can drive to keep the company strong, growing and building upon our culture,” said Fain.

Most recently Wiseman held the position of CEO at Star Plastics. Previously, he was the president for Performance Products and Solutions with PolyOne; managing director and general manager in Taiwan for Cabot Microelectronics; and various leadership roles at Americhem.

 “I am confident in our future leadership and plans for supporting our growth, innovation and sustainability for years to come. Don brings a wealth of experience and is an ideal fit into our company and culture,” said Fain.