"The task of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there." John Buchan


Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films' Leadership Team, both in the US and Belgium, consists of industry leaders from the polymer sciences, film manufacturing, packaging, packaging machinery, printing, and business finance sectors.
Narrow:
Reset All
Apply Filters
Filter Leadership
Michael DuFrayne
Michael DuFrayne
CEO and President

Mr. DuFrayne has over 40 years of experience in C-level positions and providing financial and operational advisory services to companies during periods of transition.  Prior to joining Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films, Mike was a Managing Director in an international financial advisory firm.  Mike joined Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films in 2016.

Tim Harper
Tim Harper
Chief Science Officer

Tim Harper is Chief Science Officer (CSO) responsible for advancing science and engineering platforms, leading global new product development and collaborating with industry partners, customers, and senior leadership in delivering sustainable packaging solutions. Having previously worked at Amcor, Tim brings over twenty years of experience in research and development. Tim holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Louisville.

Harvi Basko
Harvi Basko
Chief Financial Officer

Harvi leads global Finance, IT and Human Resources. Prior to joining Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films by PSI, Harvi served 12 years in leadership roles in automotive manufacturing and healthcare. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering and an MBA with a focus on corporate finance and project management.

Zack Leimkuehler
Zack Leimkuehler
Chief Commercial Officer

A global leader in business development, Zack Leimkuehler joins us with decades of experience in sustainable packaging. Zack has great connectivity within the industry and is responsible for accelerating global business development and strengthening product management. Zack holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Paper Science and Engineering from the University of Wisconsin.

David Compton
David Compton
Vice President of Operations

David joins Earthfirst® Films with 25 years of extensive background in operational leadership in the plastics industry with strengths in safety, quality, facilities management, and Lean Six Sigma. David’s leadership covers all functional groups of the two site operation, based in our Columbus’ global headquarters.  Most recently he served as Manufacturing Director at Avient where he held responsibility for multiple sites.

Kelly Williams
Kelly Williams
Managing Director | Lamination Division

Kelly Williams is an industry thought leader and advocate for sustainable packaging. He is the Managing Director of the Earthfirst® Films Lamination Division. Previously, Kelly devoted his talents to compostable packaging engineering and application development as part of his 27+ years in flexible packaging. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati.

Christine Schaefer
Christine Schaefer
Global Marketing Director

Chris Schaefer is a tenured Marketing leader with a career built in the flexible packaging industry. Chris is the Director of Marketing for Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films including thin gauge bio-based sealant films with global responsibility for Europe’s Sidaplax operation. Prior to joining Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films, Chris held senior market development positions covering N. America and Europe. As a descendant of Montana ranchers, Chris grew up composting for the family’s organic garden and is passionate about green pursuits.

Soheila Salehi-Schneider
Soheila Salehi-Schneider
Director Sales & Marketing EMEA & ROW

Soheila Salehi-Schneider has 25 years of Commercial and Technical experience within the packaging industry. Prior to joining Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films, Soheila held successive global leadership positions, most recently at Infiana. She is currently the Director Sales & Marketing EMEA & ROW at Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films.

Ed Tweed
Ed Tweed
Director of R&D and New Product Development

Edward C. Tweed is the Global Director of R&D and Product Development and has 50 years with Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films. During his tenure, he has held a number of international manufacturing and R&D roles and has developed and patented a number of PLA products. 

Brenda Hammond
Brenda Hammond
Senior Director Human Resources

Brenda Hammond has over 20 years experience in Human Resource management.  Prior to joining Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films in 2017, Brenda held HR leadership positions in non-profit, footwear manufacturing and glass manufacturing.  She is currently the Senior Director of Human Resources for the Americas at Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films.

Denis Vynckier
Denis Vynckier
Operations Manager- Europe, Middle East, and Africa

Denis Vynckier started his career with Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films in 1989.  He has held the positions of QA and TS Manager prior to becoming the Operations Manager for Europe in 1996. 

Wendy Persy
Wendy Persy
Finance Manager - Sidaplax

Wendy Persy has 17 years of experience in finance.  Prior to joining Sidaplax VOF in 2016, she held positions with Paxar Benelux and the American Clothing Distribution Co.  She is currently the Finance Manager for the European Operations of Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films.

Saskia Smessaert
Saskia Smessaert
Customer Service and Sales Support Team Manager - Sidaplax

Saskia Smessaert has over 20 years experience in Customer Service and Logistics.  Prior to joining Earthfirst® Biopolymer FilmsSidaplax in 2013, she held positions with Cooper Standard Automotive and Solideal.  She is currently managing the Customer Service and Sales Support team in Earthfirst® Biopolymer Films by Sidaplax.