U.S. Country Council

Chairman and President
Covestro LLC

As chairman and president of Covestro LLC, Samir Hifri serves as the senior leader of Covestro’s U.S. organization.

Since Hifri joined Bayer (predecessor to Covestro) as a management trainee in Pittsburgh in 1998, his career has quite literally taken him around the world and back again. Over the last 25 years he has held various positions in North America, Europe and Asia, including director of North American product management, global product manager in Germany, commercial head for Japan and Korea and head of the Asia Pacific coatings and specialties business located in Shanghai, China. Most recently, Hifri led the Covestro Hong Kong entity as managing director and head of APAC Supply Chain & Logistics.

Hifri holds a bachelor’s degree in international finance from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pa., and an executive degree from INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France. He is married with four children, and, in addition to his professional responsibilities, remains active in a number of community and academic functions.

EVP, Global Head, Tailored Urethanes –
Covestro

Julia Rubino is the global head of Tailored Urethanes (TUR) at Covestro. In this role, she is responsible for the performance of the Tailored Urethane business, which develops leading-edge, customized solutions and specialties to meet its customers’ need for innovation- and sustainability-driven materials. She is a member of Covestro’s U.S. Country Council.

Julia joined Bayer (predecessor of Covestro) in 1999 as a Plastics commercial trainee before moving to Polyurethanes in 2003. She went on to assume positions of increasing responsibility within sales and marketing. Prior to her current position, she served as head of sales for the Performance Materials business in North America, where she was responsible for planning and executing the go-to-market strategy and ensuring a margin-optimized sell-out approach for optimal asset utilization.

Julia is actively engaged with the American Chemistry Council (ACC), where she helps drive progress toward a circular economy through her role on the Plastics Division Operating Committee (PDOC). She also sits on the Plastics Membership and Finance Committee.

Previously, she chaired the American Chemistry Council’s Center for Polyurethanes Industry Steering Committee and served as Covestro’s representative on the Women’s Leadership Council for the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania. She also currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Beaver County YMCA and is a past board member of the Pittsburgh Botanic Garden.

Julia holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Geneva College and master’s degree in macromolecular science from Case Western Reserve University.

Take Five

Prince.

Hot banana peppers. I love spicy food.

That’s difficult, because I like a lot of movies. Let’s try the top three – “The Godfather,” “Sense and Sensibility” and “Stranger than Fiction.” There are many more, though.

My dad, who passed away in 2011. He was a wonderful person and great father, and I miss him every day.

The people in the Plastics division! I started as an intern and felt completely welcomed by everyone I worked with for two summers.

Head of Sales, Performance Materials – North America,
Covestro LLC

George Paleos serves as head of sales for Performance Materials in North America. In this role, he is responsible for planning and executing the go-to-market strategy and ensuring the margin-optimized sell-out strategy for the best possible asset utilization. He is a member of Covestro’s U.S. Country Council and Global Performance Materials Leadership Team.

Prior to this role, George was responsible for the global Healthcare business within the Engineering Plastics (EP) business entity and served as the business’ senior representative for the Americas region. He was a member of the Global Engineering Plastics Leadership team.

After beginning his career with Monsanto in sales and market development roles, George joined the Plastics group of Bayer Corporation (predecessor to Covestro) in 1996. He held various positions in new business development, industry and product management, eventually serving as regional business segment head for Consumer and Industrial Solutions, North America, at Bayer MaterialScience. He also led global Industrial Marketing for Covestro’s Polycarbonates business, overseeing the consumer, medical and construction segments.

George holds a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Patras, a Master of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Washington University and an MBA from Emory University.

Take Five

I’ve been making small batches of wine (300 to 500 bottles per year) for the last 15 years.

Medical doctor.

I was a waiter at a restaurant on a Greek island.

A good pilsner (beer).

Panathinaikos Football Club (soccer). I’ve been a fan of this club since growing up and am still sentimentally connected despite its not-so-stellar performance over the last several years.

Head, Coatings and Adhesives – North America
Covestro LLC

In his role as head of Coatings and Adhesives for the North America region, Martin Vlak is responsible for regional strategy development and execution as well as the joint development of Covestro’s global Coatings and Adhesives strategy. He is also a member of the company’s U.S. Country Council.

Martin joined Covestro in 2021 following the company’s acquisition of the Resins & Functional Materials business from the Dutch company Royal DSM. He started his professional career in 1992 with ICI Rozenburg as an R&D chemist for polyurethanes. He also worked for ICI Resins, Zeneca Resins and Avecia in several positions in applications, sales and business management before joining DSM as industry manager for coatings when DSM acquired NeoResins (part of Avecia) in 2005. He progressed through various positions that included director of global sales and global business director. Prior to his current position, he served as chairman of the board for the DSM-Niaga Joint Venture and managing director of specialty resins for DSM Coating Resins.

Martin holds a bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry from Larenstein University of Applied Sciences Wageningen and a bachelor’s degree in business management from West Brabant University of Applied Sciences. He also completed the Executive Leadership Program at the IMD Business School Lausanne.

Outside of work, Martin enjoys squash, skiing, running and sailing as well as reading, dining, and general and art history.

Take Five

Being Dutch … cheese!

It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.

I’m a big fan of soccer and am a ticket holder of Ajax Amsterdam. I enjoy going to the stadium with my son and daughter on a Sunday afternoon to see the team play.

Skiing with family and friends. The combination of sport and leisure is fantastic.

My father, who passed away in 2017. I have missed our talks and his advice ever since.

Head, Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Sales & Market Development – North America
Covestro LLC

Brian Long is head of Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (TPU) Sales and Market Development, holding responsibility for all non-manufacturing aspects of TPU in the North America region. He is also a member of the Covestro U.S. Country Council.

After joining one of Covestro’s predecessors in 1998 as a coatings chemist in Leverkusen, Germany, Brian served in various capacities in the research and development and commercial areas. These included working on leading-edge initiatives like the renewable energy platform within Corporate Development in Germany and managing the Coatings, Adhesives and Specialties pilot plant in New Martinsville, W. Va. Prior to his current position, he was head of Industrial Marketing for Polyurethanes in North America.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and German from Carnegie Mellon University.

Take Five

The connection that Miles/Bayer had to Germany.

Forensic scientist or spy.

Gas station attendant.

At home watching a movie with my family.

I moved my young family to Germany.

Vice President, Planning & Product Supply and Sr. Regional Representative Engineering Plastics – Americas,
Covestro LLC

Mike Zierden serves as vice president of Planning & Product Supply and as the senior regional representative for the Engineering Plastics (EP) business in the Americas region. In his role, he leads strategic and operational aspects of product lines and supply chain, managing business support for North and Latin America. He is a member of Covestro's U.S. Country Council and participates in monthly Global Engineering Plastics Leadership Team Meetings.

Mike has 36 years of experience at Covestro, where he first began his career as a technical sales specialist in 1991. He has continued to assume positions of increasing responsibility within sales, marketing, general management and product management. In 2007, he joined the North American regional leadership team as head of the company's Thermoplastic Polyurethanes business unit. Mike significantly improved the financial results of the thermoplastics business through strategic realignment and restructuring.

Mike served as polyols product manager for the Polyurethanes business unit, where he also had global responsibility for the operations of the company's propylene oxide joint venture with LyondellBasell.

In addition to his role at Covestro, Mike has been engaged in the Pittsburgh community. He served on the board of Carnegie Science Center for 12 years and served 8 years on the board with Pittsburgh Cares, a nonprofit that works to advance volunteerism and civic engagement within the region.

Mike holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Villanova University, as well as an M.B.A. from Pepperdine University. He also obtained his Six Sigma black belt while working in the Business Excellence group, where he was responsible for optimizing business process for sales and marketing across all business units.

A native of Pittsburgh, Mike resides in Peters Township with his wife and two daughters. He enjoys running, biking, woodworking and photography.

Head, Human Resources – United States
Covestro LLC

Katherine McEvilly is the U.S. head of Human Resources at Covestro LLC. In her role, Katherine is responsible for all talent management strategies in the U.S., across Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Compensation and Benefits, People Development and DEI. Katherine also sits on the Global Human Resources Leadership Team and serves as a member of the U.S. Country Council.

Katherine joined Covestro in 2020 and has more than 20 years of human resources management experience in a wide range of business-to-business and business-to-consumer environments. Prior to Covestro, Katherine held a number of leadership roles across Human Resources with international companies such as Kerry, General Electric and Cummins.

While born and raised in the United Kingdom, she has lived in the U.S. since 2000. She holds a bachelor’s degree in human resources from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Katherine enjoys hiking, biking, reading and traveling to new places with her husband and their two sons.

Take Five

I have multiple favorite movies depending on the genre and my mood. The film I quote the most is “The American President” and a line by Michael J. Fox about communication and leadership, but I wouldn’t say that it’s my favorite film. Nobody should or will credit me as a movie aficionado with this list, but some of the ones I would watch anytime they come on are: “Jaws,” “Sliding Doors,” “Shawshank Redemption,” “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Pretty Woman,” “Bridget Jones’ Diary,” “The Strangers” and “Silence of the Lambs.” I also insist on “Love Actually” every Christmas.

There are two adages that I like, but they are a mixture of the same philosophy. The first is “always assume positive intent,” and the second is “assume you are 60% of the problem.” It’s easy to get caught up in frustrations, but I really aim to go into situations or issues with a positive outlook and with a solutions orientation. I find that it leads to a quicker and more successful outcome and paves the path for better future interactions.

Our family likes to alternate our vacations between ones that are very active, where we travel and see new places and try new things, and ones that are more low key, where we stay in one place by the beach and/or pool and relax, read books, play games, and bike or walk everywhere rather than using the car.

Our kids are still young, so it’s usually an activity for them. Depending on the season, it could be hockey, soccer, baseball, karate or swimming and sometimes a combination of running between multiple of those! If we do have a “night off,” then we enjoy playing games or cards (so you would think that my skill at the latter would improve…but it doesn’t!).

Other than my family and friends, with whom I very much enjoy having dinner, I think I would pick the Queen of England….as long as she would talk candidly. I am amazed by the amount of change she has seen in her lifetime and in her role and by the number of world leaders with whom she has interacted. She has had to respond and adapt a lot during her reign (albeit often not reacted/adapted quickly enough).

Vice President, General Counsel, Secretary and Compliance Officer
Covestro LLC

Dave Rzepecki is head of Law, Intellectual Property & Compliance for the Americas region and a member of the U.S. Country Council. His department provides corporate, litigation, compliance and intellectual property counsel to all Covestro business and service units.

Dave joined Bayer MaterialScience LLC (predecessor to Covestro) in 2007. During his tenure with Covestro, he has provided comprehensive legal support to various departments within the company. In 2010, Dave assumed the role of counsel to the Polyurethanes business unit. He also managed a team providing legal services to the procurement, government affairs, finance, accounting, controlling and tax functions.

Prior to joining the company, Dave served as assistant general counsel at Rent-Way, Inc and worked in private practice. He has also served on several non-profit boards and been active in various community organizations. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Manchester Bidwell Corporation and is a member of the Executive Committee of that organization.

He received his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from Gannon University in 1989 and earned his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1992.

Take Five

I ran four marathons.

A firefighter.

Brian Fallon (formerly of The Gaslight Anthem).

The Cincinnati Reds – America’s first professional baseball team.

Probably something in the banking industry since I have a degree in finance.

Head, Corporate Communications - Americas
Covestro LLC

Alice Sox is head of Corporate Communications for the Americas region at Covestro, where she leads strategic communications and corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts across the U.S., Mexico and Brazil. In this role, she shapes the company’s image and reputation in key markets and serves as a member of both the U.S. Country Council and Covestro’s Global Communications Leadership Team.

Since beginning her career at Covestro as an intern in 2006, Alice has built a dynamic and well-rounded background in corporate communications. She has held roles spanning internal and external communications, with expertise in media relations, advertising, speechwriting, public affairs, executive communications and branding. Before assuming her current position, she served as director of U.S. Corporate Communications.

A committed community advocate, Alice represents Covestro on the Board of Directors for the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Point Park University and an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business.

Take Five

I wanted to be something different depending on which day you asked, but F.B.I. agent and animated film singer were on the list for quite some time. I can still recite the Miranda warning and the lyrics to almost any Disney song from the 90s.

I was the neighborhood babysitter from about the age of 12 onward. At 15, I started my first steady job working the coat check at a local restaurant.

“Wizard of Oz” was my favorite movie as a child. I have to say, it still holds up.

I have a real weakness for French fries. If they’re on the menu, I will order them. If they’re on my plate, they are the first to go.

I once went skydiving in Hawaii, which was an AMAZING experience, but one that I’m not sure I would have the courage to repeat.

Head, Group Innovation and Sustainability – North America
Covestro LLC

As head of Group Innovation and Sustainability for North America, Dr. Jim Charron leads a team of researchers, scientists and technicians to execute Covestro’s global innovation strategy for the region while leveraging global competencies. He also has the dual role of head of Digital Research and Development for North America, and he serves on Covestro’s U.S. Country Council.

Jim started his career in 1996 in the Polyols Process Research group of ARCO Chemical Co. In the time since Bayer (predecessor to Covestro) acquired that business in 2000, he has held several roles in research and business development. He was general manager of the Thermoplastic Polyurethane Resins business, where he was responsible for product management, research and development, and sales and marketing. Within our Coatings, Adhesives and Specialties (CAS) business in North America, he served as head of application development and later led the automotive coatings and adhesives segment.

Jim graduated from Ohio University with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and received a Ph.D. degree in chemical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University.

He has served on the Advisory Board of the Bidwell Training Center and was on the Science and Technology committees with both the American Coatings Association and the Adhesive and Sealants Council. Currently, he is an elder on the session of his church and serves on the board of directors for Sparks House, a small non-profit that helps people express faith through artistic creations.

Jim plays the trumpet and is an avid tennis player.

Take Five

A summer job working on the grounds crew at Covestro’s Pittsburgh campus (it was Mobay at the time).

There are several islands that I return to frequently or would love to visit again – Martha’s Vineyard, Manhattan, Bermuda, St. Croix – and others that I would love to visit for the first time, like New Zealand and Iceland.

A brass medallion commemorating the 100th anniversary of Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Chemical Engineering in 2005. I especially admire the quote from Andrew Carnegie on the back – “My heart is in the work” – which I think fits well with our What Makes Us Covestro values.

Playing trumpet in the horn line of some local rock/blues/jazz band.

C.S. Lewis, though not necessarily dinner. A pint would be more fitting

Head, Public Affairs, Covestro LLC

As head of Covestro’s Public Affairs (PA) in North America, Richard Skorpenske leads the company’s sustainability, circular economy, government affairs and advocacy efforts at the regional level. He is also responsible for proactively addressing social topics and driving engagement, donations and reporting in line with the overarching sustainability and circularity strategy. He is a member of Covestro’s U.S. Country Council.

Richard joined Bayer MaterialScience (predecessor to Covestro) in 2000 as director of Flexible Foam Raw Material business development and most recently served as head of Polyurethane advocacy and sustainability. He had previously worked for Lyondell Chemical Company and The Dow Chemical Company.

During his more than 30-year industrial career, Richard has focused on product research and development, new business development, global technology management, business team strategy and employee growth. He has led the development of technologies that eliminated ozone-depleting blowing agents, enhanced combustion-resistant foams and improved indoor air quality. In addition, he helped implement a more sustainable polyol process.

Richard serves on the Board of Directors for Cribs for Kids, which provides cribs and services to underserved families.

He holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in chemistry from the University of Texas and a Master of Science degree in environmental science and policy from Johns Hopkins University. He is the author of numerous publications and patents.

Take Five

Divestiture from Bayer MaterialScience (kidding). Seriously, I joined the chemical industry with a curiosity for the unknown – that next cool polymer or application. I’ve stayed because of the people, the diverse knowledge and abilities of our employees, and the many industry relationships I’ve developed over the years.

When working from home, the oddest thing IS my desk. It’s an old air hockey table covered in a large sheet of cardboard so I don’t plug the holes with dirt. Pretty spacious and ergonomic, too!

Typically having dinner with my wife (empty nesters) at a place that we can walk to following her day job.

The African Continent. It must be a whole different world from what I’m used to. I would love to see the culture and people

Maybe not the MOST fun thing, but a very fun time combining a guilty pleasure movie (“Talladega Nights”) with a few laps around Lernerville Speedway near Pittsburgh. “What were those things? Were those the other cars?!”

Director of Controlling, Covestro LLC

Michael Burns is director of Controlling. In this role, he is primarily responsible for providing forward-looking insights, coordinating financial forecasts, monitoring financial performance and analyzing primary spending in conjunction with his team. He is also a member of Covestro’s U.S. Country Council.

After joining Bayer (predecessor to Covestro) in 1995 as corporate internal auditor, Michael held a variety of positions with increasing responsibility in the financial and controller functions. He also completed a three-year assignment in Leverkusen, Germany, where he conducted worldwide audits. Prior to moving into his current role in early 2014, Michael served as manager of Controlling. He started his career as a senior auditor with Deloitte & Touche.

Michael serves on the Corporate Finance Planning Committee of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. He is active with the Pittsburgh chapter of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and previously served on the board of the Pittsburgh International Classical Theatre.

In addition to holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Robert Morris University, Michael is a certified public accountant, chartered global management accountant and certified information systems auditor.

Head, Supply Chain and Logistics, Covestro LLC

Appointed head of Supply Chain and Logistics (SC&L) in 2024, Bruce Sullivan leads the entire end-to-end SC&L function in the North America region. He is accountable for customer supply chain strategies that meet the service levels customers demand at optimal cost and working capital. This requires overseeing supply chain processes, sourcing, cost and service-level agreements, risk management strategies and supply chain strategies that help advance Covestro’s global circular and sustainability targets. He is a member of Covestro’s U.S. Country Council.

Bruce joined Covestro in 2017 as director of Logistics Strategy and Procurement for North America and served as vice president of Integrated Logistics for North America prior to moving into his current role. Before joining Covestro, he held various procurement and logistics roles with PPG Industries and Axiall Corporation. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, stationed primarily in Japan during his active duty.

Bruce received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in business administration from Robert Morris University. He also holds an APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) certification and is an APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).

Take Five

Lawn mowing and landscaping.

The Eagles.

Two movies that I can’t pass up when they’re on TV are “A Few Good Men” and the original “Top Gun.”

Franks Red Hot is a staple in our household.

While I was in the U.S. Navy, it was great diving off the ship and swimming in the South China Sea. Of course, Navy divers were in the water watching for sharks!

Senior Vice President, Performance Materials Operations in North America and Site Manager, Baytown Site
Covestro LLC

In addition to serving as senior vice president and head of Performance Materials Operations in North America, Victor Ortega is responsible for the operations of Covestro sites in Baytown and Channelview, Texas, and South Charleston, W. Va. He also manages the global Propylene Oxide Joint Venture with LyondellBasell and is a member of Covestro’s U.S. Country Council.

Victor joined Bayer (predecessor of Covestro) in 1999 as an intern in Leverkusen, Germany, before quickly transferring to our operations in Tarragona, Spain, as a process engineer. He moved back and forth between Baytown and Tarragona over the next two decades, holding positions of increasing responsibility that included project manager and unit engineer. In 2021, he moved to Germany to lead the Brunsbüttel site for three years, returning to Baytown in July 2024 to take on his current role.

A past board member of VCI Nord (North Germany Chemical Association), Victor currently serves on the board the Federacion Espanola de Profesionales de la Ingenieria Quimica (Spanish Association of Chemical Engineers).

Victor holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Granada, Spain, and an MBA from the Universidad Politecnica de Barcelona. He also completed postgraduate studies in process engineering at the Rovira I Virgili University of Tarragona, Spain.

Outside of work, Victor has coached youth soccer and basketball for many years. In addition to playing basketball himself, he enjoys world history and travel.