Eric Lesbats, CEO of Synerlink (synerlink-engineering.com), a Barry-Wehmiller Company, announces that John Koke has joined the organization to expand business growth within the United States.

As general manager, his responsibilities will include sales, service, customer service and logistics for this critical market. Koke will be based out of Synerlink’s new US office in Duncan, SC, sharing a facility with Synerlink’s sister company, Hayssen packaging systems.

“The U.S. market is one of our most important markets, both in terms of existing business and growth opportunities for Synerlink. We are delighted to have someone of John’s experience and leadership abilities in this key role,” says Lesbats.

Koke brings to Synerlink an extensive background in equipment innovation and packaging. His 22 years with Sealed Air Corporation included roles such as leader of the electrical engineering R&D team for the Product Care Division, and leader of the equipment business and the global equipment R&D team for the Asian Pacific Food Care/Cryovac Division. Most recently, his work with the New Business Development team was instrumental in identifying new technologies and business for Sealed Air.

“My goal is to work with our North America customers and the global Synerlink team to provide excellent customer service, real innovation and unprecedented value in this exciting market space,” Koke says.  “I have known the Barry-Wehmiller organization for almost a decade now and have always admired the company for its people-centric culture and values. It is easy to find companies that have great slogans written on their lobby walls. It is another thing entirely to find a company who lives those slogans out in such an exceptional way!” Koke says.

 Koke has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut with a double major in electrical engineering and computer science. He has a master’s degree in Management of Technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He has several patents on packaging equipment, systems, and software to his name.