Donald Wiseman has been appointed CEO of Star Plastics, effective September 2021, following the company’s acquisition by Akoya Capital Partners in August. Wiseman succeeds Star Plastics founder Doug Ritchie, who will become the company’s Chief Strategy Officer.

With more than 25 years’ experience, Wiseman has held senior-level leadership roles with PolyOne, Cabot Microelectronics, Americhem, and Rohm and Haas and advised on multiple private equity transactions totaling more than $1 billion. At PolyOne, Wiseman managed 11 global plants and 1,500 people, increased sales, and generated top line and earnings growth as the president of its Performance Products & Services Solutions business. Most recently, he served as interim COO and board member for GreenMantra, where he implemented operational best practices and was instrumental in leading the company’s international growth, said the press release from Star Plastics. “Don’s leadership skills, commercial and operational experience, and success in delivering exceptional growth will make him a valuable addition to the Star Plastics team,” said Board Chair Bob May. 

“Don understands our culture and is going to hit the ground running — his experience will be a big advantage to bringing Star closer to our growth goals,” added Ritchie. The acquisition by Akoya last month was described as a “strategic move to support Star Plastics’ aggressive growth and expansion plans.” Star Plastics provides engineered compounds and specialty products and services to the E&E, communications, and appliance markets.

Wiseman holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Youngstown State University, a master’s in chemical engineering from the University of South Carolina, and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Ritchie held the CEO position since he founded Star Plastics in 1988, where he grew the business from a contract recycling company into a leading provider of custom engineered compounds and specialty materials.