Emerald Packaging, a leading supplier of flexible plastic bags, pouches, lidding and roll stock to producers of frozen fruits and vegetables, ready meals, fresh produce, bagged salads and other foods in the United States, has named Pallavi Joyappa as its president. As a critical member of the Union City, California-headquartered company for 17 years and an integral part of its growth, she has served in multiple capacities.
Most recently, as chief operating officer, Joyappa focused on Emerald’s strategic initiatives including new product development as well as optimizing its manufacturing processes. Addditionally, she has helped oversee finance, marketing and sustainability.
“Pallavi has stepped up as a leader, spearheading efforts that have allowed us to navigate successfully through challenging economic times and has ultimately helped the company sustain profitability,” said Kevin Kelly, chief executive officer. “Thanks to her, we have successfully fended off price increases, streamlined the business and gained rebates from suppliers, which helped our bottom line. She has played a critical role in our success, and her appointment as president is a natural extension of the work she has performed for the last couple of years.”
Joyappa, a native of Bangalore, India, and an engineer by training, has excelled in every role she has played at Emerald. Upon joining the company, she created its first quality program and introduced lean manufacturing. As director of operations she pushed increases in productivity and revolutionized the safety program, cutting injuries to less than a handful annually. She drove initiatives that lead Emerald to win California Green Business certification.
“Emerald Packaging prides itself on delivering the best quality and service in the flexible packaging industry. Assuming the role of president at a company like this is a privilege for me,” said Joyappa. “I can’t think of a more exciting time to be a part of this fast-growing business and look forward to advancing on solutions that strengthen our industry leadership place and meet today’s needs of our customers,” said Joyappa.
