John Oliver has been appointed interim CEO at British Vita following the decision of Howard Harris to step down from the CEO role. Mr. Harris remains a non-executive director. Mr. Oliver is a partner at British Vita’s private equity owners Texas Pacific Group (TPG) and was already serving as a director of the British Vita group. Prior to his time at TPG, he spent 15 years with GE at several different businesses in Europe as CEO and in other general management roles.

This is an exciting time at Vita. The business has excellent prospects. I look forward to working with our employees and suppliers as we enhance our ability to serve our customers with world-class specialty polymer-based materials,” said Mr. Oliver.

Loparex has appointed Nick Burrows sales director responsible for the sales of specialty papers in the U.K. Mr. Burrows has been in charge of Loparex’s specialty paper sales in the U.K. since the late 1970s—via his own agency during recent years—and has now fully joined Loparex Group.

In other Loparex personnel news, Chris Hehir has been appointed sales manager. Mr. Hehir is responsible for Loparex’s release liner sales predominately in the Northern half of the U.K. and Ireland.

Loparex wants to strengthen both its specialty paper and release liner sales in the U.K.,” said Gaby Brams, Loparex Europe sales and marketing director. “Mr. Burrows and Mr. Hehir joining Loparex sales network will permit us to give better and more in-depth service to our U.K. customers.”

Maria Di Bello has taken over the reigns of Italian machinery specialist Cellulose Converting Equipments following the death of her father, Ettore Di Bello. Ms. Di Bello will serve as president and sole company director. In accordance with previously announced plans, Walter Cestaro has retired from the company effective January 2007. Heading CCE’s sales team are Enzo Pomilio and Ezio Libertini.

After leading the company’s commercial efforts for two years, Peter Termyn has been appointed president and CEO of Parkinson Technologies. Through his direction, the company’s commercial organization and supporting capabilities have been restructured to fully leverage the company’s growth potential. Mr. Termyn replaces Ernest Abrahamson, who continues as Parkinson’s owner and who will now serve as chairman. Mr. Abrahamson credits  Mr. Termyn with the management and commercial background to capitalize on the company’s investments in research, technology and facilities and the leadership experience to guide the company going forward.

Ron Schmidt, director for Maxcess International, has been elected president of the Converting Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA). Mr. Schmidt brings more than 30 years of experience in the web processing and converting industry. In addition to this new role, he will retain his position as chairman of CEMA’s slitting and rewinding seminar and co-chairman of AIMCAL’s web handling committee. “Both CEMA and AIMCAL offer tremendous benefits to members and in today’s challenging economy, the concept of team matters more than ever,” said Mr. Schmidt. “I have always believed that you get back what you put in and now is a great time to get involved.”

Martex Fiber Southern Corporation, the Spartanburg, SC-headquartered recycled industrial textile product specialist, has brought on Elton Hardy as its new director of purchasing and international sales under Jimmy Jarrett, COO. Mr. Hardy joins Martex from Avondale Mills where he concentrated on penetrating new markets and expanding existing accounts. During the past 12 years at Avondale, Mr. Hardy served as its director of international sales and marketing, a role similar to the one he assumes at Martex Fiber. In other news at Martex, company founder Martin Zeldin retired in January 2007 after creating the company 32 years ago.