element Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Element has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, and operations.

Driven by a commitment to precision, element provides essential testing, inspection, certification, and calibration services, underpinning global product safety and quality standards.

Leadership Roles at element

  • Chief Executive Officer - James Plonka
  • Chief Executive Officer & President - Ronald Jones
  • Chief Executive Officer & General Manager - Andrew Fuhrmeister
  • Chief Financial Officer - Stephen Albrecht
  • Chief Financial Officer (Americas) - Lyn Bradbury
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Robert Bosler
  • President - Linda Simpson
  • President - Cherie Ulatowski
  • President, Americas - Gary Brimmage
  • Chief Technology Officer - Melvin Barnell
  • James Plonka - Chief Executive Officer

    James Plonka, the Chief Executive Officer at element, directs the company's overarching strategic vision and global operational execution. Plonka guides the integration of materials testing, product qualification, inspection, and certification services across all business units. This leadership role ensures alignment with market demands and drives innovation in testing methodologies. By focusing on client needs, Plonka enhances element's position as a leader in the testing, inspection, and certification sector. The Chief Executive Officer's mandate includes fostering a culture of excellence and expanding the company's service portfolio to meet evolving industry requirements. Plonka's strategic direction supports the company's mission to provide reliable and accurate data, crucial for product safety and compliance worldwide. James Plonka oversees the development of new service offerings and the expansion into emerging markets, solidifying element's global reach and impact.

    Ronald Jones - Chief Executive Officer & President

    Ronald Jones, the Chief Executive Officer & President at element, spearheads the company's strategic growth initiatives and operational management. Jones oversees the delivery of comprehensive testing, inspection, and certification services, ensuring adherence to the highest industry standards. This executive leadership role involves driving operational efficiencies and expanding market presence across key geographic regions. By championing technological advancements, Ronald Jones enhances the company's capabilities in materials testing and product qualification. The Chief Executive Officer & President's focus remains on strengthening client relationships and delivering exceptional value through rigorous scientific analysis. Jones's leadership ensures that element consistently meets the complex needs of its diverse clientele, reinforcing its reputation for accuracy and reliability. Ronald Jones directs efforts to optimize service delivery and explore new avenues for business development, contributing significantly to the company's sustained success.

    Andrew Fuhrmeister - Chief Executive Officer & General Manager

    Andrew Fuhrmeister, the Chief Executive Officer & General Manager at element, commands the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the organization. Fuhrmeister orchestrates the delivery of critical testing, inspection, certification, and calibration services, ensuring the highest levels of accuracy and compliance. This executive position involves overseeing all functional departments and driving performance improvements across the business. By focusing on operational excellence, Andrew Fuhrmeister strengthens element's market leadership in materials science and product validation. The Chief Executive Officer & General Manager's responsibilities include fostering innovation and ensuring seamless service integration for clients globally. Fuhrmeister's leadership ensures that element continues to provide essential support for product safety and quality assurance. Andrew Fuhrmeister guides the company's expansion efforts and manages key stakeholder relationships, reinforcing element's commitment to scientific integrity.
    Andrew Fuhrmeister

    Stephen Albrecht - Chief Financial Officer

    Stephen Albrecht, the Chief Financial Officer at element, directs the company's financial strategy and fiscal management. Albrecht oversees all aspects of financial planning, reporting, and investment, ensuring robust economic health and sustainable growth. This critical role involves managing capital allocation, optimizing financial performance, and mitigating fiscal risks across global operations. By implementing stringent financial controls, Stephen Albrecht supports element's mission to deliver reliable testing and certification services. The Chief Financial Officer's purview includes treasury operations, investor relations, and driving profitability through strategic financial initiatives. Albrecht's expertise ensures that element maintains a strong financial foundation to support its extensive service offerings. Stephen Albrecht guides the company's financial operations, contributing to its stability and capacity for innovation in the testing and inspection industry.

    Lyn Bradbury - Chief Financial Officer (Americas)

    Lyn Bradbury, the Chief Financial Officer (Americas) at element, manages the financial operations and strategic fiscal planning for the North American region. Bradbury oversees budgeting, financial reporting, and resource allocation to support the company's extensive testing and inspection services across the Americas. This leadership position involves ensuring financial compliance and driving profitability within the region. By implementing robust financial controls, Lyn Bradbury supports element's commitment to delivering accurate and reliable certification services. The Chief Financial Officer (Americas)'s responsibilities include optimizing financial performance and identifying opportunities for strategic investment. Bradbury's financial acumen is crucial for element's sustained growth and operational excellence in the Americas. Lyn Bradbury directs financial strategies that align with the company's global objectives, reinforcing its market presence.

    Robert Bosler - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Robert Bosler, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at element, directs the company's comprehensive financial strategy and oversight. Bosler manages all financial planning, accounting, and reporting functions, ensuring fiscal integrity and driving economic performance across the organization. This executive role involves strategic capital management, risk assessment, and optimizing financial resources to support global operations. By championing financial discipline, Robert Bosler reinforces element's commitment to providing reliable testing, inspection, and certification services. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's mandate includes fostering strong relationships with financial institutions and stakeholders. Bosler's leadership ensures element maintains a robust financial framework to support its extensive service offerings and strategic growth initiatives. Robert Bosler guides the company's financial direction, contributing to its stability and expansion.

    Linda Simpson - President

    Linda Simpson, the President at element, leads key operational divisions and drives strategic initiatives to enhance service delivery. Simpson oversees the execution of testing, inspection, and certification processes, ensuring adherence to rigorous quality standards. This executive role involves managing cross-functional teams and fostering a culture of operational excellence. By focusing on client satisfaction, Linda Simpson strengthens element's reputation for reliability and precision in materials testing. The President's responsibilities include identifying opportunities for service expansion and improving operational efficiencies across various business units. Simpson's leadership ensures that element consistently meets the evolving needs of its global clientele. Linda Simpson directs efforts to optimize service offerings and maintain high standards in product qualification and calibration.

    Cherie Ulatowski - President

    Cherie Ulatowski, the President at element, spearheads strategic growth and operational management for designated business units. Ulatowski directs the delivery of comprehensive testing, inspection, and certification services, ensuring alignment with industry regulations and client expectations. This executive position involves overseeing departmental performance and driving initiatives that enhance service quality. By championing innovation, Cherie Ulatowski advances element's capabilities in materials testing and product validation. The President's focus remains on strengthening client partnerships and ensuring the consistent delivery of accurate analytical results. Ulatowski's leadership ensures element maintains its position as a trusted provider of essential scientific services. Cherie Ulatowski guides strategic planning and operational execution to support the company's overall mission.

    Gary Brimmage - President, Americas

    Gary Brimmage, the President, Americas at element, directs the company's strategic operations and business development across North and South America. Brimmage oversees the delivery of comprehensive testing, inspection, and certification services throughout the region, ensuring adherence to stringent quality and safety standards. This executive role involves managing regional teams and driving market expansion initiatives. By focusing on operational efficiency, Gary Brimmage enhances element's service capabilities and client support within the Americas. The President, Americas's responsibilities include fostering strong client relationships and identifying new market opportunities. Brimmage's leadership ensures element's continued success and growth in the vital American markets. Gary Brimmage guides the strategic direction for the Americas, reinforcing element's commitment to scientific excellence and customer service.

    Melvin Barnell - Chief Technology Officer

    Melvin Barnell, the Chief Technology Officer at element, leads the company's technological innovation and digital transformation efforts. Barnell oversees the development and implementation of advanced testing methodologies and digital platforms that enhance service delivery. This executive role involves driving research and development in materials science and ensuring the integration of cutting-edge technologies across all operational units. By championing technological advancements, Melvin Barnell strengthens element's capabilities in product qualification and certification. The Chief Technology Officer's focus is on leveraging technology to improve efficiency, accuracy, and client experience. Barnell's strategic vision ensures element remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the testing, inspection, and certification sector. Melvin Barnell directs the company's IT infrastructure and data management strategies, supporting its global operational network.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding element Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads element?
    element is led by James Plonka (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ronald Jones (Chief Executive Officer & President) and Andrew Fuhrmeister (Chief Executive Officer & General Manager).
    Who is part of element’s executive team?
    The executive team of element includes leaders such as James Plonka (Chief Executive Officer), Ronald Jones (Chief Executive Officer & President), Andrew Fuhrmeister (Chief Executive Officer & General Manager) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does element have?
    element has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in element’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of element includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & President, Chief Executive Officer & General Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Financial Officer (Americas).