The Eastern Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Eastern has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and human resources.

Driven by innovation, The Eastern is an established American engineering and manufacturing firm designing, manufacturing, and selling a diverse range of engineered hardware and security solutions for industrial, vehicular, and commercial markets, impacting global industrial and commercial sectors.

Leadership Roles at The Eastern

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

    Eugene Nalugon, the Chief Executive Officer at The Eastern, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational execution. Nalugon guides the company's expansion across industrial hardware, security products, and metal products segments, ensuring alignment with market demands for engineered hardware and security solutions. This leadership involves fostering innovation in product development and maintaining strong relationships with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), distributors, and industrial clients globally. Nalugon's focus remains on driving profitable growth and enhancing The Eastern's market position through strategic initiatives and operational excellence. The Chief Executive Officer ensures that the company's diverse product offerings, from locks and latches to secure access control systems and specialty castings, meet the rigorous standards required by industrial, vehicular, and commercial markets. Eugene Nalugon oversees the integration of new technologies and manufacturing processes to maintain a competitive edge in the global marketplace.

    Marjan Safi - Chief Executive Officer & Founder

    Marjan Safi, the Chief Executive Officer & Founder at The Eastern, established the company's foundational vision and continues to shape its strategic direction. Safi's leadership encompasses the design, manufacturing, and sale of a broad spectrum of engineered hardware and security solutions for industrial, vehicular, and commercial applications. The founder's influence is evident in the company's commitment to delivering both standard and custom-engineered products, catering to diverse client needs across multiple countries. Marjan Safi's role involves nurturing a culture of innovation and quality, ensuring The Eastern remains a trusted supplier to OEMs, distributors, and industrial clients. The Chief Executive Officer & Founder's strategic oversight extends to all business segments, including industrial hardware, security products, and metal products, reinforcing the company's robust market presence. Marjan Safi's ongoing guidance is critical to the company's sustained success and expansion in the global engineering and manufacturing landscape.

    Ryan Schroeder - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Ryan Schroeder, the President & Chief Executive Officer at The Eastern, drives the company's comprehensive operational and strategic initiatives. Schroeder's leadership ensures the effective design, manufacturing, and distribution of engineered hardware and security solutions across industrial, vehicular, and commercial sectors. This role involves overseeing all business segments, including industrial hardware, security products, and metal products, to meet the diverse needs of global clients. The President & Chief Executive Officer champions the company's commitment to providing both standard and custom-engineered solutions, fostering strong partnerships with OEMs, distributors, and industrial customers worldwide. Ryan Schroeder's strategic vision focuses on enhancing market penetration, optimizing manufacturing processes, and ensuring consistent product quality. Ryan Schroeder's executive direction is pivotal in maintaining The Eastern's competitive advantage and driving sustained growth in the international engineering and manufacturing arena.
    Ryan Schroeder

    Nicholas Vlahos - Chief Financial Officer

    Nicholas Vlahos, the Chief Financial Officer at The Eastern, oversees all financial aspects of the company, including financial planning, risk management, and reporting. Vlahos manages the financial health of the organization, ensuring sound fiscal strategies that support the design, manufacturing, and sale of engineered hardware and security solutions. This leadership position is vital for maintaining investor confidence and facilitating strategic investments across industrial hardware, security products, and metal products segments. The Chief Financial Officer focuses on optimizing financial performance, managing capital allocation, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. Nicholas Vlahos's responsibilities include developing financial models, analyzing market trends, and providing critical financial insights to guide executive decision-making. Nicholas Vlahos ensures that The Eastern's financial operations are robust and aligned with its global market objectives.

    John Sullivan - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    John Sullivan, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at The Eastern, plays a key role in managing the company's financial operations and strategic financial planning. Sullivan supports the Chief Financial Officer in overseeing all fiscal activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, crucial for the manufacturing and sale of engineered hardware and security solutions. This position is vital for ensuring financial stability and supporting growth initiatives across the company's diverse market segments. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer focuses on optimizing financial performance, managing financial risks, and providing data-driven insights to executive leadership. John Sullivan's responsibilities include contributing to financial strategy development and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. John Sullivan's financial acumen is instrumental in guiding The Eastern's fiscal health and supporting its global business objectives.

    Carsten Ostenfeldt - Chief Operating Officer

    Carsten Ostenfeldt, the Chief Operating Officer at The Eastern, manages the day-to-day operational functions and ensures efficient execution of manufacturing and distribution strategies. Ostenfeldt oversees the production of a wide array of engineered hardware and security solutions, including industrial hardware, security products, and metal products, across multiple countries. This leadership role is critical for maintaining the quality and reliability of products supplied to OEMs, distributors, and industrial clients. The Chief Operating Officer focuses on optimizing supply chain logistics, enhancing manufacturing efficiency, and implementing best practices across all operational sites. Carsten Ostenfeldt's responsibilities include driving operational improvements that support the company's growth objectives and its ability to deliver custom-engineered solutions. Carsten Ostenfeldt ensures seamless integration of new technologies and processes to uphold The Eastern's reputation for excellence in the industrial, vehicular, and commercial markets.
    Carsten Ostenfeldt

    David Ho - President

    David Ho, the President at The Eastern, directs significant operational and strategic functions within the company, contributing to its overall market presence. Ho's leadership focuses on driving business development and ensuring the successful delivery of engineered hardware and security solutions to industrial, vehicular, and commercial clients. This role involves overseeing key business units and fostering strong relationships with OEMs, distributors, and industrial customers across various regions. The President is instrumental in executing growth strategies and enhancing operational efficiency across the company's product lines, including industrial hardware, security products, and metal products. David Ho's strategic oversight is critical for expanding market share and maintaining The Eastern's reputation for quality and innovation. David Ho's executive guidance supports the company's ongoing success in the global engineering and manufacturing landscape.

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

    Gilbert Garcia, the President, Anglo-Eastern Crew Management Inc (Philippines) at The Eastern, leads the strategic direction and operational management of the company's crew management division in the Philippines. Garcia oversees the recruitment, training, and deployment of maritime personnel, ensuring compliance with international standards and client requirements. This leadership role is critical for maintaining the operational readiness and effectiveness of the company's maritime services. The President, Anglo-Eastern Crew Management Inc (Philippines) focuses on optimizing crew management processes, enhancing crew welfare, and ensuring seamless integration with global shipping operations. Gilbert Garcia's responsibilities include developing talent management strategies and fostering a culture of excellence within the crew management team. Gilbert Garcia's leadership is vital for supporting The Eastern's broader maritime business objectives and its commitment to providing high-quality crew services.

    Torbjorn Dimblad - Chief Information Officer

    Torbjorn Dimblad, the Chief Information Officer at The Eastern, directs the company's technology strategy and infrastructure, ensuring robust digital capabilities across all operations. Dimblad oversees the implementation and management of information systems that support the design, manufacturing, and sales of engineered hardware and security solutions. This role is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency, data security, and client connectivity in the industrial, vehicular, and commercial markets. The Chief Information Officer focuses on leveraging technology to drive innovation, improve customer service, and support global business expansion. Torbjorn Dimblad's responsibilities include managing IT resources, cybersecurity protocols, and digital transformation initiatives that align with The Eastern's business objectives. Torbjorn Dimblad ensures that the company's technological framework effectively supports its diverse product lines and its relationships with OEMs, distributors, and industrial clients worldwide.

    Michael Sandaluk - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Michael Sandaluk, the Chief Human Resources Officer at The Eastern, leads all human capital strategies and initiatives to support the company's workforce and business objectives. Sandaluk oversees talent acquisition, employee development, compensation, and benefits programs, ensuring a skilled and motivated team across all operational areas. This role is essential for fostering a positive work environment and aligning HR practices with the company's mission to deliver engineered hardware and security solutions. The Chief Human Resources Officer focuses on building a strong organizational culture, promoting employee engagement, and managing workforce planning to meet the demands of the industrial, vehicular, and commercial markets. Michael Sandaluk's expertise is critical in attracting and retaining top talent necessary for innovation and operational excellence. Michael Sandaluk ensures that human resources functions effectively support The Eastern's global operations and strategic growth.
    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 Eugene Nalugon (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Marjan Safi (Chief Executive Officer & Founder) and Ryan Schroeder (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of The Eastern’s executive team?
    The executive team of The Eastern includes leaders such as Eugene Nalugon (Chief Executive Officer), Marjan Safi (Chief Executive Officer & Founder), Ryan Schroeder (President & Chief Executive Officer) 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, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer.