CPIA Taps Mark Badger

Mark Badger has been appointed as the new executive director of the Canadian Plastics Industry Association (CPIA), effective March 9, 2009.

Badger replaces outgoing president Serge Lavoie. “I think that Mark is an excellent choice for the organization because he brings a really strong depth of knowledge of the industry,” said Lavoie.

Badger was a vice president of pipe and profile extruder Royal Group from 1995 through 2008, where he was in charge of corporate communications, marketing and corporate development. Subsequent to Georgia Gulf’s acquisition of Royal Group in 2006, he also led Georgia Gulf’s investor relations activities.

“I can’t think of a job that is closer to the job of a CEO of an association than investor relations,” noted Lavoie. “You have all these different publics that you are trying to balance your interests with.”

Badger graduated with an Honours Degree in Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario in 1980. He received a Queen’s Jubilee Medal from the Governor General of Canada in 2002, in recognition of his leadership roles with charitable organizations.

“Mark is exactly the person we need at this point in CPIA’s development,” said Dave Birkby, chair of the board of the CPIA. “He has a long history in the plastics industry in Canada and he has first hand understanding of the value this trade association brings to its members.”

Badger arrives at the CPIA after a major restructuring of the organization. According to Lavoie, Badger is inheriting a much smaller organization than he did six years ago, and Badger’s role will be to rebuild the association.

“During my recent conversations with members, I have also been reminded of the difficult economic environment, as well as the commercial challenges facing our industry,” said Badger in a note to association members.

Badger noted that the CPIA was a much leaner organization than in past years, and that he couldn’t promise that the association would fulfill every industry need.

“[But] we can promise you that we are excited about serving CPIA’s members and determined to help the industry reach its full potential,” said Badger.