People, Places & Things
Armand Ajdari joined Arkema as the Group’s Chief Technology Officer. He will report to Thierry Le H naff, Chairman and CEO, and will be a member of the Group management committee. With more than 30 years dedicated to research and development in international environments, Ajdari will bring his passion of innovation, his scientific culture, his experience of technological and commercial relationships with key partners and his understanding of the planet’s megatrends.

Interstate Plastics announced the upcoming retirement of Bob Umphress in March of 2022. Umphress has almost 44 years in the Plastics Distribution industry, 36 of which with Interstate Plastics. He started his career in 1978 with Port Plastics in Sunnyvale, CA, and joined the Interstate team in January of 1986. He was instrumental in opening Interstate Plastics' Boise ID facility in 1991 and has been branch manager since the outset. Bob Umphress has truly been a steward of the industry, and his impact on Interstate Plastics and the industry cannot be understated. He has dedicated his many years with Interstate Plastics to building strong brand awareness in the Idaho market and surrounding states. Bob Umphress is a mentor to many employees and imparted his plastics knowledge and passion for customer service to all. He operated from a place of integrity and incredible product knowledge; his impact will be felt for years to come.