The Eastern Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Eastern has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, operational scaling, and human capital management.

Focused on delivering precision-engineered hardware, The Eastern maintains a commitment to industrial excellence by providing custom security and metal solutions that support global infrastructure and commercial markets.

Leadership Roles at The Eastern

  • Chief Executive Officer - Ali Waugh
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Ryan Schroeder
  • Chief Executive Officer & Founder - Marjan Safi
  • Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer - Ramesh Motwane
  • Chief Financial Officer - Nicholas Vlahos
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - John Sullivan
  • Chief Operating Officer - Carsten Ostenfeldt
  • President - David Ho
  • Chief Information Officer - Torbjorn Dimblad
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Michael Sandaluk
  • Ali Waugh - Chief Executive Officer

    Ali Waugh, the Chief Executive Officer at The Eastern, directs the overarching corporate strategy for the manufacturing and engineering portfolio. Waugh prioritizes the expansion of industrial hardware segments, ensuring that the company meets the rigorous demands of original equipment manufacturers across North American and international markets. By aligning product development with emerging security trends, the Chief Executive Officer drives long-term value for industrial clients. Waugh monitors the competitive landscape to identify opportunities for specialty casting and anchoring product growth. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine the organizational vision and operational efficiency. Through a focus on high-performance hardware solutions, Ali Waugh secures the market position of the firm. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a rigorous standard for quality control, ensuring that every engineered component meets the specific needs of vehicular and commercial sectors while fostering sustainable growth across all global business units.
    Ali Waugh

    Ryan Schroeder - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ryan Schroeder, the President & Chief Executive Officer at The Eastern, manages the integration of complex manufacturing processes with commercial sales objectives. Schroeder oversees the strategic deployment of resources to optimize the production of locks, latches, and closure hardware. By analyzing market data, the President & Chief Executive Officer identifies key areas for innovation within the security systems division. Ryan Schroeder coordinates with department heads to streamline supply chain logistics, ensuring that custom-engineered solutions reach industrial clients with maximum efficiency. This executive role demands a deep understanding of the metal products segment, particularly regarding mining and construction applications. Schroeder drives the implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies to maintain a competitive edge in the global marketplace. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the firm remains a preferred partner for original equipment manufacturers seeking reliable, high-quality hardware and specialized infrastructure support.
    Ryan Schroeder

    Marjan Safi - Chief Executive Officer & Founder

    Marjan Safi, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder at The Eastern, architects the foundational vision for the company's engineering and manufacturing initiatives. Safi directs the development of proprietary security and access control systems, ensuring that the firm remains at the forefront of industrial innovation. By leveraging deep technical expertise, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder guides the research and development teams in creating custom hardware for diverse commercial markets. Marjan Safi monitors the performance of the payment and coin-acceptor systems, identifying new avenues for growth within the vending and laundry sectors. This leadership role involves maintaining strong relationships with key distributors and industrial partners to ensure consistent market penetration. Safi drives the strategic direction of the firm, balancing immediate operational needs with long-term technological advancements. Through a commitment to precision and reliability, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder secures the reputation of the company as a leader in specialized infrastructure hardware and industrial security solutions.

    Ramesh Motwane - Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ramesh Motwane, the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer at The Eastern, leads the strategic expansion of the company's metal products and specialty casting divisions. Motwane oversees the implementation of high-capacity manufacturing protocols that support large-scale mining and construction projects. By focusing on the durability and performance of anchoring products, the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the firm delivers superior value to industrial installations. Ramesh Motwane coordinates with engineering teams to refine custom solutions that address unique client requirements in the vehicular and industrial equipment markets. This leadership role involves managing the financial health of the organization while pursuing aggressive growth targets in international territories. Motwane drives the adoption of sustainable manufacturing practices to improve operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Through a dedication to engineering excellence, the Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the firm's status as a critical supplier for complex infrastructure projects and specialized industrial hardware applications.
    Ramesh Motwane

    Nicholas Vlahos - Chief Financial Officer

    Nicholas Vlahos, the Chief Financial Officer at The Eastern, manages the fiscal strategy and capital allocation for the company's diverse manufacturing operations. Vlahos oversees the financial reporting, budgeting, and risk management processes that support the production of security and access control systems. By analyzing the profitability of the industrial hardware and metal products segments, the Chief Financial Officer identifies opportunities for cost optimization and margin improvement. Nicholas Vlahos coordinates with the executive leadership to ensure that capital investments align with the firm's long-term growth objectives. This leadership role involves maintaining transparent communication with stakeholders and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. Vlahos drives the development of financial models that assess the viability of new product lines and market expansions. Through rigorous fiscal oversight, the Chief Financial Officer secures the financial stability of the organization, enabling the firm to continue providing high-quality, custom-engineered hardware solutions to its global client base.

    John Sullivan - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    John Sullivan, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at The Eastern, manages the treasury functions and financial planning for the company's specialized infrastructure hardware division. Sullivan oversees the cash flow management and investment strategies that support the development of new security and access control systems. By evaluating the financial performance of specific product lines, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer provides actionable insights that guide resource allocation. John Sullivan collaborates with the executive team to develop long-term financial forecasts that account for market volatility in the construction and mining sectors. This leadership role involves managing banking relationships and ensuring the availability of capital for strategic initiatives. Sullivan drives the implementation of financial controls that enhance the accuracy of reporting and improve overall operational efficiency. Through meticulous financial analysis, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer supports the firm's ability to deliver high-value, custom-engineered solutions while maintaining a strong balance sheet for future expansion.

    Carsten Ostenfeldt - Chief Operating Officer

    Carsten Ostenfeldt, the Chief Operating Officer at The Eastern, directs the daily manufacturing activities and production workflows across all facilities. Ostenfeldt oversees the operational efficiency of the lock, latch, and hinge production lines, ensuring that output meets the high standards required by original equipment manufacturers. By implementing lean manufacturing principles, the Chief Operating Officer reduces waste and optimizes the throughput of specialty castings and security products. Carsten Ostenfeldt manages the logistics and distribution networks to ensure timely delivery of both standard and custom-engineered solutions to industrial clients. This leadership role involves coordinating with plant managers to maintain safety standards and operational excellence. Ostenfeldt drives the continuous improvement of production processes to support the company's competitive position in the vehicular and commercial markets. Through a focus on operational scalability, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the firm can effectively meet the evolving demands of its diverse industrial customer base.
    Carsten Ostenfeldt

    David Ho - President

    David Ho, the President at The Eastern, leads the commercial strategy and market development for the company's industrial hardware and security product segments. Ho oversees the sales and marketing teams, ensuring that the firm effectively communicates the value of its custom-engineered solutions to original equipment manufacturers and distributors. By identifying emerging market trends in the vehicular and commercial sectors, the President drives the development of new business opportunities. David Ho coordinates with the engineering and manufacturing departments to ensure that product offerings align with client needs and industry standards. This leadership role involves managing key account relationships and expanding the company's presence in competitive global markets. Ho drives the execution of strategic sales initiatives that increase market share and enhance brand recognition. Through a focus on customer-centric growth, the President ensures that the firm remains a trusted partner for industrial clients seeking high-quality, reliable hardware and security systems for their specialized applications.

    Torbjorn Dimblad - Chief Information Officer

    Torbjorn Dimblad, the Chief Information Officer at The Eastern, directs the digital transformation of the company's manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure. Dimblad oversees the implementation of secure data systems that support the design and production of industrial hardware. By integrating advanced analytics into the manufacturing process, the Chief Information Officer improves operational visibility and decision-making across all business segments. Torbjorn Dimblad manages the cybersecurity framework to protect proprietary engineering designs and client information. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to align technology investments with the firm's broader strategic goals. Dimblad drives the modernization of internal communication platforms, ensuring that global operations remain synchronized and efficient. By optimizing the digital architecture, the Chief Information Officer supports the company's ability to deliver custom-engineered solutions to a diverse range of industrial clients. Through continuous technological improvement, Dimblad ensures that the firm maintains a robust and secure digital foundation for all future growth initiatives.

    Michael Sandaluk - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Michael Sandaluk, the Chief Human Resources Officer at The Eastern, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for the firm's global workforce. Sandaluk oversees the recruitment of specialized engineering and manufacturing talent necessary to maintain the company's high standards for hardware and security solutions. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that employees possess the skills required to operate advanced machinery and develop innovative products. Michael Sandaluk manages the performance management systems and compensation structures that drive employee engagement and retention. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to align human capital strategies with the company's broader business objectives. Sandaluk drives the implementation of training programs that emphasize safety, quality, and technical proficiency. Through a focus on building a high-performing team, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the firm's ability to deliver reliable, custom-engineered solutions to its diverse industrial and commercial clients.
    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 Ali Waugh (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 Ali Waugh (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 10 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, Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer.