Plastic Ingenuity Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Plastic Ingenuity has 6 executives leading key functions including manufacturing operations, information technology, revenue growth, satellite facility management, human resources, and corporate leadership.

Committed to sustainable thermoforming excellence, Plastic Ingenuity delivers renewable packaging solutions across the food, healthcare, and consumer goods sectors while maintaining a focus on environmental stewardship.

Leadership Roles at Plastic Ingenuity

  • Chief Operating Officer - Richard Esser
  • Chief Operating Officer, Satellite Operations - Jess Mellethin
  • President - Tom Kuehn
  • Chief Information Officer - Michael Phy
  • Chief Revenue Officer - Sakif Ferdous
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Tracey Hustad
  • Richard Esser - Chief Operating Officer

    Richard Esser, the Chief Operating Officer at Plastic Ingenuity, directs all core thermoforming manufacturing processes. Overseeing production efficiency, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that renewable resource packaging meets rigorous quality standards for the food and healthcare industries. This leadership role involves optimizing supply chain logistics to support North American market demands. By integrating advanced manufacturing technologies, Richard Esser drives operational excellence across all production facilities. Esser manages the transition from petroleum-based products to sustainable materials like PLA and wood pulp, ensuring alignment with corporate environmental goals. Through constant monitoring of output metrics, the Chief Operating Officer maintains high throughput levels while reducing waste. This strategic focus on manufacturing precision allows the company to scale production capacity effectively. Ultimately, Esser secures the operational foundation necessary for long-term growth and market competitiveness in the custom packaging sector.
    Richard Esser

    Jess Mellethin - Chief Operating Officer, Satellite Operations

    Jess Mellethin, the Chief Operating Officer, Satellite Operations at Plastic Ingenuity, directs the performance of regional manufacturing facilities. Overseeing decentralized production units, the Chief Operating Officer, Satellite Operations ensures that satellite sites maintain the same quality standards as the primary headquarters. This leadership role involves coordinating logistics and resource allocation to support localized demand for thermoformed products. By streamlining workflows at remote locations, Jess Mellethin drives efficiency and reduces lead times for consumer goods clients. Mellethin manages the implementation of standardized manufacturing protocols across all satellite operations. Through the oversight of regional equipment maintenance, the Chief Operating Officer, Satellite Operations guarantees consistent output of PLA and PSM materials. This focus on operational uniformity across the company's footprint ensures that all facilities contribute to the overall mission of sustainable packaging. Ultimately, Mellethin secures the operational stability of the company's distributed manufacturing network.

    Tom Kuehn - President

    Tom Kuehn, the President at Plastic Ingenuity, directs the overall strategic vision for custom thermoforming manufacturing services. Overseeing corporate governance, the President ensures that the company remains a leader in renewable resource packaging. This leadership role involves guiding the executive team toward long-term objectives in the food, healthcare, and consumer goods industries. By championing the use of sustainable materials like PLA, PSM, and wood pulp, Tom Kuehn drives the company's commitment to environmental responsibility. Kuehn manages the relationship with the Board to ensure alignment on growth strategies and capital investments. Through the promotion of a culture focused on quality and innovation, the President maintains the company's reputation for excellence. This focus on high-level strategy enables the organization to navigate complex market shifts effectively. Ultimately, Kuehn secures the future direction and market impact of the company through decisive leadership and a clear focus on sustainable manufacturing.
    Tom Kuehn

    Michael Phy - Chief Information Officer

    Michael Phy, the Chief Information Officer at Plastic Ingenuity, architects the digital infrastructure supporting custom thermoforming manufacturing services. Overseeing enterprise data security, the Chief Information Officer ensures that information systems remain resilient against modern cyber threats. This leadership role involves implementing advanced analytics to track material usage, including PLA and PSM, across all manufacturing lines. By modernizing internal software platforms, Michael Phy drives digital transformation throughout the organization. Phy manages the integration of automated reporting tools that provide real-time visibility into production cycles for the food and healthcare industries. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Information Officer supports the company's broad market reach and operational agility. This focus on technological advancement enables seamless communication between departments. Ultimately, Phy secures the data integrity and system reliability required to maintain high-performance manufacturing standards.

    Sakif Ferdous - Chief Revenue Officer

    Sakif Ferdous, the Chief Revenue Officer at Plastic Ingenuity, directs all commercial strategies for custom thermoforming manufacturing services. Overseeing market expansion, the Chief Revenue Officer ensures that renewable packaging solutions reach key clients in the food, healthcare, and consumer goods industries. This leadership role involves identifying new opportunities for materials like wood pulp and PLA to replace traditional petroleum-based products. By aligning sales initiatives with customer needs, Sakif Ferdous drives revenue growth across diverse regional markets. Ferdous manages the development of strategic partnerships that enhance the company's market position. Through the analysis of industry trends, the Chief Revenue Officer crafts pricing models that reflect the value of sustainable manufacturing. This focus on client acquisition and retention supports the company's long-term financial objectives. Ultimately, Ferdous secures the commercial success necessary to sustain innovation and market leadership in the competitive packaging landscape.

    Tracey Hustad - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Tracey Hustad, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Plastic Ingenuity, directs all talent acquisition and organizational development initiatives. Overseeing workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the company attracts skilled professionals capable of advancing thermoforming manufacturing services. This leadership role involves fostering a culture of innovation that supports the transition to renewable materials like wood pulp and PLA. By implementing comprehensive training programs, Tracey Hustad drives employee engagement and retention across all departments. Hustad manages the alignment of human capital strategies with the company's broader goals in the food and healthcare sectors. Through the development of performance management systems, the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains high standards of professional excellence. This focus on building a robust internal talent pipeline supports the company's long-term growth and operational stability. Ultimately, Hustad secures the human resources necessary to maintain a competitive edge in the manufacturing industry.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Plastic Ingenuity Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Plastic Ingenuity?
    Plastic Ingenuity is led by Richard Esser (Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Jess Mellethin (Chief Operating Officer, Satellite Operations) and Tom Kuehn (President).
    Who is part of Plastic Ingenuity’s executive team?
    The executive team of Plastic Ingenuity includes leaders such as Richard Esser (Chief Operating Officer), Jess Mellethin (Chief Operating Officer, Satellite Operations), Tom Kuehn (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Plastic Ingenuity have?
    Plastic Ingenuity has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Plastic Ingenuity’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Plastic Ingenuity includes roles such as Chief Operating Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Satellite Operations, President, Chief Information Officer, Chief Revenue Officer.