
Kraton taps Baena as VP of Global Operations for Pine Chemicals
Kraton Corporation, a leading global sustainable producer of specialty polymers and high-value biobased products derived from pine wood pulping co-products, has appointed Edgar Baena as vice president of Global Operations for the Pine Chemicals business. Baena will oversee the segment’s global operations strategy and progress toward achieving operational excellence and further improving manufacturing reliability.
Kraton’s polymers are used in a wide range of applications, including adhesives, coatings, consumer and personal care products, sealants, and lubricants, and medical, packaging, automotive, paving and roofing products. Kraton offers its products to a diverse customer base in more than 70 countries worldwide.
“Edgar’s experience in manufacturing, quality, and engineering firmly align with our goal of accelerating operational performance and efficiency to deliver value and meet the unique needs of our customers,” said Marcello Boldrini, Kraton CEO, Pine Chemicals business. “His operational expertise will make him a key asset to the Pine Chemicals business. I’m confident his leadership will help reinforce our commitment to operational excellence and steward our continued growth.”
“I am honored to join Kraton in this new role,” said Baena. “I applaud the company’s strategic focus on preserving and protecting its people and the environment. I look forward to further advancing Kraton’s operational sustainability and ensuring we have best-in-class safety systems and processes to progress toward our vision of Zero Harm.”
As a veteran manufacturing executive, Baena joins Kraton with more than 20 years of operations and management experience. Prior to Kraton, he held leadership positions at Lubrizol and Dow Chemical. Baena holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from Northwood University.