News

Star Plastics Appoints New CEO

Star Plastics is pleased to announce that Donald Wiseman has been appointed the company’s CEO effective September 2021 following the company’s acquisition by Akoya Capital Partners. Wiseman succeeds Star Plastics founder Doug Ritchie who will become the company’s Chief Strategy Officer. 

With over 25 years’ experience, Wiseman has held senior-level leadership roles with PolyOne, Cabot Microelectronics, Americhem, and Rohm and Haas and advised on multiple private equity transactions totaling over $1B. At PolyOne, Wiseman managed 11 global plants and 1,500 people, increased sales, and generated top line and earnings growth as the President of its Performance Products & Services Solutions business.

Most recently, he served as interim COO and Board member for GreenMantra where he implemented operational best practices and was instrumental in leading the company’s international growth.

“Don’s leadership skills, commercial and operational experience, and success in delivering exceptional growth will make him a valuable addition to the Star Plastics team,” said Board Chair Bob May.

Exiting CEO Doug Ritchie is also excited about Wiseman taking over the role.  “Don understands our culture and is going to hit the ground running-his experience will be a big advantage to bringing Star closer to our growth goals.”

Wiseman earned a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Youngstown State University, a Master’s in Chemical Engineering from University of South Carolina, and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Ritchie held the CEO position since he founded Star Plastics in 1988, where he grew the business from a contract recycling company into a leading provider of custom engineered compounds and specialty materials.

Have questions about our new CEO? Contact us at Media@StarPlastics.com.