London, UK – 27 March 2023 - Klöckner Pentaplast (“kp” or “the Company”), a global leader in recycled content products and high barrier protective packaging, today announces that going into Scott Tracey’s fifth year with the company, the time has come for him to repatriate to the USA, and as such he is stepping down from his role as CEO. Scott will continue to partner with SVP and will remain a resource to the Board at kp.

The company would like to thank Scott for his significant contribution to kp during his tenure, where he has led the business through challenging times with continued strong performance.

The Board initiated a thorough succession plan over the last four months and is delighted to announce the appointment of Roberto Villaquiran as its new CEO, effective 3rd April. Scott will work closely with Roberto to ensure a successful handover of the business over the coming months.

Roberto will join kp from Canpack Group, where he served as CEO for the last four years. Prior to Canpack, Roberto also served as CEO of Logoplaste, following an over thirty-year tenure with Smurfit Kappa, a global market leader in the packaging industry. Roberto brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of the industry and a solid track record of business growth and transformation.

Scott Tracey, Chief Executive Officer of Klöckner Pentaplast, commented: “I am proud of the team accomplishments over my tenure and pleased to continue to partner with SVP as a Board level resource.  I am excited to welcome our new CEO to kp, knowing that he is an ideal fit for kp to further drive growth and value. I am very confident of the future for the company.”

Roberto Villaquiran, incoming CEO, commented: “I am excited to be joining kp and very much look forward to working with the team, as well as partnering with customers and suppliers as we continue to develop and grow the business together.”

In addition, Matt Espe has decided to step down from his position as Chairman of kp. Matt has held this position for over four years and his guidance and stewardship during this time have been of great benefit to the company and its Board. He will be replaced by Christopher D. Pappas (Chris), who will join the Board as kp’s new Chairman. Chris brings forty-five years of Chemical and Industrial company experience, having served in executive positions at Dow Chemical, as President and CEO of Nova Chemicals and as President and CEO of Trinseo.  He currently serves as a non-executive director on Hexion, ICP Group and IPS Corp. Chris is also non-executive chairman of Univar Solutions. 

Matt Espe commented: “I am very pleased with the work undertaken by the team in the business over the past years and believe that as a result of this, kp is very well positioned going forward.”

Chris D. Pappas commented: “I am delighted to be joining kp at this juncture and look forward to working with Roberto and the leadership team to take the business to the next stage of growth and development”. 

ENDS

Notes for Editors:

About Klöckner Pentaplast 
Focused on delivering its vision: The Sustainable Protection of Everyday Needs, kp is a global leader in rigid and flexible packaging and specialty film solutions, serving the pharmaceutical, medical device and protein markets, amongst others. With a broad and innovative portfolio of packaging and product films and services, kp plays an integral role in the customer value chain by safeguarding product integrity, protecting brand reputation and improving sustainability. kp’s “Investing in Better” sustainability strategy solidifies its commitment to achieving ten clear targets for long-term improvement. kp has earned a gold rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social and ethical performance ratings, putting kp in the top 3% of companies rated in the manufacturing of plastics products sector. Founded in 1965 kp has 31 plants in 18 countries and employs ca. 5,700 people committed to serving customers worldwide in over 60 locations. The Company is held by a group of investors led by the financial investor Strategic Value Partners (SVP).

Media Contacts:

IR@kpfilms.com