The Eastern Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Eastern has 9 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, information technology, human resources, and regional management.

Driven by a commitment to engineering excellence, The Eastern designs, manufactures, and sells a diverse range of engineered hardware and security solutions, impacting industrial, vehicular, and commercial markets globally.

Leadership Roles at The Eastern

  • Chief Executive Officer - Dongpa Lee
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Ryan Schroeder
  • Chief Executive Officer & Founder - Marjan Safi
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nicholas Vlahos
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - John Sullivan
  • Chief Operating Officer - Carsten Ostenfeldt
  • President, Anglo-Eastern Crew Management Inc (Philippines) - Gilbert Garcia
  • Chief Information Officer - Torbjorn Dimblad
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Michael Sandaluk
  • Dongpa Lee - Chief Executive Officer

    Dongpa Lee, the Chief Executive Officer at The Eastern, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational framework. This leadership position involves guiding the company's expansion across industrial hardware, security products, and metal products segments. Lee's focus centers on driving innovation in engineered hardware and security solutions for industrial, vehicular, and commercial markets. The role necessitates a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and market demands, ensuring The Eastern maintains its competitive edge. Lee oversees the integration of standard and custom-engineered solutions, catering to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, and industrial clients. This executive's mandate includes fostering strategic partnerships and ensuring the company's long-term growth trajectory aligns with market opportunities. Dongpa Lee's strategic vision shapes the company's product development and market penetration efforts across its diverse business units.

    Ryan Schroeder - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ryan Schroeder, the President & Chief Executive Officer at The Eastern, spearheads the company's strategic direction and operational execution. This critical role involves overseeing all facets of the business, from product design and manufacturing to sales and distribution across industrial, vehicular, and commercial sectors. Schroeder's leadership ensures the seamless integration of The Eastern's diverse product lines, including industrial hardware, security solutions, and specialty metal products. The executive's responsibilities extend to managing relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, and industrial clients, ensuring the delivery of both standard and custom-engineered solutions. Ryan Schroeder's strategic oversight drives market penetration and fosters innovation within the company's engineering and manufacturing capabilities. This position demands a comprehensive understanding of global markets and a commitment to operational excellence, positioning The Eastern for sustained growth and market leadership.
    Ryan Schroeder

    Marjan Safi - Chief Executive Officer & Founder

    Marjan Safi, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder at The Eastern, established the company's foundational principles and continues to shape its strategic vision. This executive role encompasses the ultimate responsibility for the company's direction, innovation, and market positioning within the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Safi's leadership guides the design, manufacturing, and sales of a broad spectrum of engineered hardware and security solutions for industrial, vehicular, and commercial applications. The founder's influence is critical in maintaining the company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction across its various business segments, including industrial hardware, security products, and metal products. Marjan Safi's entrepreneurial spirit drives the company's pursuit of custom-engineered solutions and its engagement with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, and industrial clients. This executive's long-term perspective ensures the company's enduring legacy and adaptability in dynamic markets.

    Nicholas Vlahos - Chief Financial Officer

    Nicholas Vlahos, the Chief Financial Officer at The Eastern, directs the company's financial strategy, planning, and reporting. This executive position is responsible for managing all financial aspects of the business, including budgeting, forecasting, capital allocation, and risk management across The Eastern's diverse engineering and manufacturing operations. Vlahos oversees financial performance, ensuring profitability and sustainable growth in the industrial hardware, security products, and metal products segments. The CFO's responsibilities extend to managing relationships with financial institutions, investors, and stakeholders, providing critical insights into the company's financial health and investment opportunities. Nicholas Vlahos plays a key role in evaluating strategic initiatives, mergers, and acquisitions, ensuring financial viability and alignment with corporate objectives. This leadership function is essential for maintaining fiscal discipline and supporting the company's expansion into new markets and product development.

    John Sullivan - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    John Sullivan, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at The Eastern, collaborates with the CFO to manage the company's financial operations and strategic fiscal planning. This executive role supports the oversight of financial reporting, budgeting, and investment analysis, ensuring the financial integrity of The Eastern's diverse business segments. Sullivan's responsibilities include contributing to financial strategy development, managing financial risks, and optimizing resource allocation across manufacturing and engineering functions. The VP & CFO works closely with other C-suite leaders to drive financial performance and support the company's growth objectives in industrial, vehicular, and commercial markets. John Sullivan's expertise is critical in evaluating financial opportunities and ensuring the efficient deployment of capital for product development and market expansion. This position reinforces the company's commitment to sound financial management and long-term value creation.

    Carsten Ostenfeldt - Chief Operating Officer

    Carsten Ostenfeldt, the Chief Operating Officer at The Eastern, manages the day-to-day operational execution across all manufacturing and business segments. This executive role is central to optimizing production processes, ensuring supply chain efficiency, and maintaining the high quality of engineered hardware and security solutions. Ostenfeldt oversees the company's manufacturing facilities and operational teams, driving productivity and cost-effectiveness in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of products for industrial, vehicular, and commercial markets. The COO's focus includes implementing best practices in operational management, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Carsten Ostenfeldt's leadership ensures that The Eastern consistently meets the demands of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, and industrial clients, delivering reliable standard and custom-engineered solutions. This role is critical for translating strategic objectives into tangible operational results.
    Carsten Ostenfeldt

    Gilbert Garcia - President, Anglo-Eastern Crew Management Inc (Philippines)

    Gilbert Garcia, the President, Anglo-Eastern Crew Management Inc (Philippines) at The Eastern, directs the strategic operations and management of the company's crew management services in the Philippines. This executive role is focused on overseeing the recruitment, training, and deployment of maritime personnel, ensuring compliance with international standards and client requirements. Garcia's leadership is critical for maintaining the operational efficiency and quality of services provided by Anglo-Eastern Crew Management. The President's responsibilities include fostering strong relationships with clients, managing operational budgets, and ensuring the well-being and professional development of the crew. Gilbert Garcia's strategic direction contributes to the company's reputation for excellence in maritime crew management, supporting The Eastern's broader global presence and operational capabilities. This leadership position is integral to the success of the company's maritime services division.

    Torbjorn Dimblad - Chief Information Officer

    Torbjorn Dimblad, the Chief Information Officer at The Eastern, directs the company's technology strategy and digital infrastructure. This role is pivotal in ensuring the seamless operation of information systems that support The Eastern's diverse engineering and manufacturing activities. Dimblad oversees the implementation and management of IT solutions critical for product design, production, supply chain logistics, and customer relationship management across industrial, vehicular, and commercial markets. The executive's responsibilities include safeguarding company data, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and driving digital transformation initiatives to improve operational efficiency and innovation. Torbjorn Dimblad's expertise ensures that technology investments align with business objectives, supporting the delivery of both standard and custom-engineered hardware and security solutions. This leadership function is essential for maintaining competitive advantage in a technologically evolving landscape.

    Michael Sandaluk - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Michael Sandaluk, the Chief Human Resources Officer at The Eastern, leads the company's human capital strategy and organizational development. This executive role is responsible for attracting, retaining, and developing talent across all departments, ensuring The Eastern has the skilled workforce necessary to support its engineering and manufacturing operations. Sandaluk oversees talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, employee relations, and performance management, fostering a positive and productive work environment. The CHRO's focus includes aligning HR policies with the company's strategic goals, supporting employee growth, and promoting a culture of collaboration and innovation. Michael Sandaluk plays a crucial part in shaping the organizational structure and ensuring that human resources initiatives contribute to the company's overall success in delivering engineered hardware and security solutions. This leadership function is vital for building a robust and engaged workforce.
    Michael Sandaluk

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Eastern Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads The Eastern?
    The Eastern is led by Dongpa Lee (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Ryan Schroeder (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Marjan Safi (Chief Executive Officer & Founder).
    Who is part of The Eastern’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Eastern includes leaders such as Dongpa Lee (Chief Executive Officer), Ryan Schroeder (President & Chief Executive Officer), Marjan Safi (Chief Executive Officer & Founder) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does The Eastern have?
    The Eastern has 9 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in The Eastern’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of The Eastern includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.