NatureWorks has named Erik Ripple as the company's new president and CEO, replacing Jill Zullo, who has served in the role since March 2023 when former CEO, Rich Altice, retired from NatureWorks.
Ripple joins the Minnesota-based bioplastics manufacturer from Nexeon, a UK-based manufacturer of silicon carbide composites for electric vehicle batteries. Before Nexeon, Ripple gained 18 years of experience in the polymer industry at Eastman Chemical Company, where he served in leadership roles in innovation, business management, and corporate development including holding regional responsibilities in Europe. After Eastman, Ripple joined specialty chemicals company Ingevity in 2010, serving as Chief Growth and Innovation Officer.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from the University of Tennessee and a Master of Business Administration degree from Washington University.
“We are pleased to welcome Erik as the new CEO of NatureWorks. Erik has a strong track record of global business leadership, building innovative teams, and driving growth in new markets,” said Narongsak Jivakanun, NatureWorks Board Chair. “As NatureWorks continues to drive the global adoption of sustainable, performance biomaterials, we are confident that Erik’s strategic capabilities will further build upon the company’s strong foundation.”
The announcement comes as NatureWorks started the second phase of its polylactic acid (PLA) biopolymer manufacturing facility in Thailand. The new 75,000 tonnes/year facility is expected to start production in 2025.