In a strategic reorganization aimed at enhancing global operations, Alpla has reshuffled its leadership team in Western Europe and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The changes reflect the company's commitment to leveraging seasoned executives with proven track records to propel future growth and operational excellence.

Driving Expansion and Operational Excellence Across Borders

The shift in leadership positions underscores Alpla’s dedication to fostering innovation and sustainability within its plastic packaging solutions. This move is set to bolster the company’s competitive edge on an international scale.

Pioneering Change in Western Europe

As Roland Wallner transitions into his new role as managing director of Western Europe, he brings with him over two decades of invaluable experience spanning diverse regions such as Europe, the United States, Middle East, and Asia. Since assuming the helm in APAC in 2021, Wallner has demonstrated exceptional leadership by spearheading substantial growth initiatives. His tenure was marked by the establishment of critical infrastructure like the Shanghai technical center, which serves as a hub for product development. Additionally, under his guidance, Alpla successfully integrated the North East Asia and South East Asia regions into a unified APAC entity headquartered in Singapore. These achievements have not only strengthened Alpla’s market presence but also enhanced its capacity to deliver innovative solutions tailored to customer needs.Wallner’s appointment to oversee Western Europe signals a pivotal moment for the region. With 31 base plants and 17 in-house facilities spread across ten countries, employing nearly 5,700 individuals, this division represents Alpla’s largest operational footprint. Under Wallner’s strategic oversight, Western Europe stands poised to capitalize on emerging opportunities while maintaining its reputation for quality and efficiency. Philipp Lehner, Alpla’s CEO, expressed confidence in Wallner’s ability to fortify the region’s standing through his characteristic blend of strategic foresight and unwavering commitment to excellence.

A New Chapter in Asia-Pacific

Stepping into Wallner’s shoes is Ronald Tichelaar, whose promotion from general manager of China highlights his remarkable contributions to Alpla’s success. Over the past decade, Tichelaar has accumulated extensive managerial expertise across various roles, including overseeing operations in North Asia and serving as plant manager in Spain. As head of Alpla’s operations in China, he effectively navigated the complexities posed by the pandemic, driving robust business recovery and achieving unparalleled levels of operational excellence. His leadership was instrumental in setting benchmarks for quality and efficiency, solidifying Alpla’s position as a leader in the industry.Tichelaar’s elevation to lead the Asia-Pacific region exemplifies Alpla’s strategy of promoting talent internally to ensure smooth transitions and continuity. Comprising 12 locations and employing 2,650 individuals across four countries, the APAC region continues to expand its capabilities. Notably, the opening of a second plant and headquarters in Chachoengsao, Thailand, early next year marks another milestone in Alpla’s regional growth trajectory. Lehner praised Tichelaar’s dedication to continuous improvement and modernization, asserting that these qualities make him the ideal candidate to steer the region toward sustained success.

Global Commitment to Sustainability

Alpla’s global operations extend beyond traditional manufacturing to encompass a robust recycling network. Operating PET and HDPE recycling facilities in key markets such as Austria, Germany, Poland, Mexico, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Romania, Thailand, and Brazil, the company remains at the forefront of sustainable practices. These efforts underscore Alpla’s dual commitment to delivering high-quality products while minimizing environmental impact. Ongoing international projects further reinforce the company’s ambition to lead the charge in creating a more sustainable future for the plastics industry.Through its leadership realignment, Alpla demonstrates its readiness to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. By entrusting experienced professionals like Wallner and Tichelaar with expanded responsibilities, the company positions itself to seize new opportunities and overcome challenges with resilience and ingenuity.