Our leadership team fosters a culture of innovation and success that supports the continued commercialization and expansion of X2F’s Controlled Viscosity Molding (CVM) technology. They also guide the company’s sustainability efforts, ensuring the CVM technology is compatible with global sustainability goals, supporting reclamation, recycling and reuse of materials while developing manufacturing processes that utilize less energy and minimize the carbon footprint.
Rick Fitzpatrick, Co-founder and CTO, is a passionate innovator, entrepreneur and 30-year veteran of the injection molding industry. Rick skillfully leads X2F in its continued evolution of the Controlled Viscosity Molding (CVM) technology, guiding research and development and overseeing technical projects. Rick’s vision of reinventing plastics molding technology for high-performance materials came from his broad knowledge and experience with design and engineering of injection molding machines and plastic products. Prior to achieving his vision and founding X2F, Rick managed engineering, sales and business development teams at DTM Products and Capsonic Group that contributed to sales growth from $6 million in 1995 to over $20 million in 1998. Rick is deeply committed to science, technology, economic empowerment and the environment and is an engaging and insightful public speaker sought after to educate audiences at technology conferences.
Ron Leach, Co-founder and Chairman, is a proven private-equity backed business leader with a demonstrated track record of turning around and growing businesses in global packaging and industrial technology. At X2F, Ron ably leads the board of directors in the development of X2F’s long-term business strategy, growth initiatives and investor relations. Ron excels at defining a market-focused strategies and competitive positioning, aligning the business structure to achieve growth and attract talent to execute on the strategy. Ron is also an authority on the science of Lean Six Sigma operations and uses this approach to foster a collaborative team effort to optimize costs, quality, speed, agility and customer service to deliver better than pro forma returns to X2F’s stakeholders.
Antonio Aceves, VP Strategy & Business, is a results-driven, solutions-focused leader of regional and global sales teams, business development and marketing. Throughout his career, Antonio has earned the trust of multiple national and international companies, maintaining strong client relationships that generate repeat business. At X2F, Antonio leads global sales and business development of X2F’s Controlled Viscosity Molding (CVM) systems, identifying new customer applications and maximizing marketplace opportunities. Prior to joining X2F, Antonio was Business Director at Henkel Electronics and Industrial business units where he worked cross functionally to nearly triple sales during his tenure with double-digit growth in earnings. Antonio is multilingual, speaking fluent Spanish, English and Portuguese.
Ken Jacob, Director of Technology, is a 25-year veteran of the plastics industry and a leading plastics technology expert with experience in engineering management, product development, product design, machine design, mold design, and hot runner systems. Ken has a key role directing the technical team for X2F, oversees testing and validation of customer applications, leads product development, and responds to the growing demand for X2F’s innovative Controlled Viscosity Molding (CVM) technology. Prior to joining X2F, Ken was Global Manager of Master Solutions at Mold-Masters Ltd. with responsibility for R&D groups in North America, Europe, India, and Asia. During his career he has held numerous leadership roles and led many multi-million–dollar projects.
Hans Velten, Director of Business Development in Europe, Hans has more than 30 years’ experience commercializing new technologies in B2B applications that include automotive, LED lighting, advanced manufacturing, and mobile phones. He has successfully built & led business development teams for startup companies and established enterprises.
