Puratos Canada appoints new president

Jelena Vrbaski is appointed president of Puratos Canada, effective immediately, while Michael Simone has assumed a newly created strategic role focusing on the broader North American region.

“Michael’s leadership has been instrumental in building a strong, growth-oriented Canadian business,” said Andrew Brimacombe, president, North American markets. “In his new role, Michael will dedicate more time to long-term strategic priorities, including contributing to internal scenario planning and integration readiness efforts that help Puratos prepare for potential future opportunities in North America. At the same time, we are pleased to see Jelena step into the presidency and continue advancing our momentum in Canada.”

During Simone’s tenure in Canada, Puratos opened innovation centres in Fraser Valley, B.C., and Montreal as well as launched a bakery program at a Canadian high school.

As president, Vrbaski will focus on customer partnerships, innovation and operations. She has served in various roles in her 15 years with the company, most recently as vice president of sales.