BLACHFORD ACOUSTICS GROUP - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Director of Operations & CPO
Andrea joined Blachford in 2007 working directly with owner John Blachford on numerous projects encompassing all company divisions. A certified Project Manager Professional (PMP), Andrea has over 18 years of experience leading projects. When Blachford AM Ltd was created, she relocated permanently utilizing her experience to help bring the plant to profitability. In 2017 Andrea became Director of Operations.
Prior to her time at Blachford, Andrea spent 10 years on Canada's West Coast working in the fast-paced, high-tech, clean fuel industry. While living in Vancouver, Andrea volunteered for Habitat for Humanity and was part of an international build in Nepal. Andrea obtained her PhD. in Chemistry at The University of Bristol in England before emigrating to Canada in 1995 and achieving citizenship in 2000.
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Technology
Dr. Peter Marinelli's career in chemistry began as a child, mixing ingredients together to see what would happen. This led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Bradley University and a doctorate in Organic Chemistry from Purdue University.
During his 30-year career, he has led teams in Product and Process Development, Engineering, Analytical Chemistry, Quality Control, and Environmental Health and Safety. In addition to his technical roles, he has also spent time in Sales and Procurement. Pete has worked in the fields of agriculture, personal care, paints and coatings, resins, surfactants, disinfectants, and, most recently, acoustics. He has 8 patents and is a Six Sigma Green Belt. Pete enjoys bringing together the right talent that meshes and forms a team working together toward a common goal.
Outside of work, he enjoys being outdoors, camping, hiking, fishing, golfing, downhill skiing, traveling and spending time with his wife, two sons and their families.
For John, chemistry has always been part of the family. The son of company founder Henry Lloyd Blachford, John studied chemistry at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec - receiving a doctorate from the illustrious institution.
After working for Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. at Chalk River in Ontario and in a postdoctoral researcher role in colloid chemistry at McGill University, John joined his father at Blachford as an engineer and chemist in the Montreal plant where he oversaw research and development.
John rose to the role of President, and in 2018 became CEO of Blachford with two Presidents, Mike Cundari and Mathew Taub, and a CFO, Dave McCoy, reporting to him.
John spends much of the time working from his country home which allows him to spend time with his three children. He enjoys cross country skiing, hiking, and canoeing - especially two-week trips in Canada's Yukon and North West Territories.
Matt is a 15-year Sales and Marketing veteran with over a decade of experience in acoustics.
Matt started his career at Blachford in sales following a deployment with the U.S. Army in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He left Blachford for five years - gaining experience in metal fabrication, packaging and parking leadership. As it turns out, he was unable to leave acoustics for good and returned to Blachford in 2020.
Matt received a BA in Business and Psychology from St Norbert and an MBA in Management and Operations from UW Madison. He has experience leading sales, operations, and technical teams and has worked for private owners, ESOPs, and VC-owned firms.
With experience in medical-device, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods, most recently serving in the chemical industry as a Plant Manager and as a Director of Regulatory and Safety, Michael has over 20 years of industrial manufacturing experience.
Benefiting from his industrial manufacturing background in quality, process engineering and operations, during his career Michael has obtained product management and Six-Sigma certifications and two product packaging patents.
Michael is a U.S. Army veteran of nine years where he last served as a Military Intelligence Officer while on active duty.
Michael received his B.S. in Industrial Technology from Illinois State University and his M.S. in Business Management.
Job Titles:
- Vice President - Sales & Marketing
With more than 20 years of experience in sales for niche manufacturers, Mike re-joined Blachford in 2020 for a second tour of duty. In addition to his experience at Blachford, Mike has experience setting strategy and commercializing new products for startup business units, working in private equity, consolidating companies under one corporate umbrella, and leading global sales teams.
He received a BS in Journalism from the Southern Illinois University as well as an Associate of Applied Science.
Away from work, Mike enjoys spending time with his family and dogs. He enjoys exercising, boating, bonfires, strategy games, concerts, and spending time with friends.
Job Titles:
- EMEA Sales & Innovation Director
With a Sales, Marketing and Product Development career spanning 25 years, Patrick has spent 16 years in the Acoustics and Noise Control industry primarily working with manufacturers of industrial vehicles and almost a decade selling automation solutions for the pharmaceutical, food and drink industries.
Before focusing on sales, Patrick started his career in Operations, specifying and eventually managing a facility for manufacturing office furniture, including acoustic covers for noisy office printers. He has an MSc in Acoustics, Noise and Vibration Control from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh UK, and he speaks fluent French and Italian.
Patrick has two grown sons, now making their own way in the world. He is married to Firuza, and the two enjoy travel & experiencing different cultures.
With more than 20 years of experience in the Chemical Manufacturing Industries, Ramon joined Blachford in 2018. Ramon spent nine years working for ITW, where he held multiple roles including Operations Management.
He received a BS in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and is a Kellogg Alumni from Northwestern University. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Ramon has built and led global teams in China, Singapore, Germany, the Philippines and the United States.
Ramon lives with his wife, Sue, and their five children. He enjoys volunteering at a local non-for-profit organization, swimming, golf, and chess.
With 20+ years of experience as an Operations Manager in Industrial Operations, primarily in the automotive industry, Wayne joined Blachford UK in 2022 as our Oper ations Director. Wayne is a Six Sigma Black Belt and has implemented successful lean programs at several organizations.
In his personal life, Wayne is an avid sports fan; particularly rugby, Formula 1, MotoGP, World Superbikes and Cricket. He has played cricket for over 40 years and is still an active player.