Meet Vesta's Leadership Team
Phil Estes
Chief Executive Officer
Phil Estes joined Vesta in 1998 as chief operations officer and views himself as the keeper and builder of Vesta’s culture of strong family values and innovative thinking. He drives change by constantly examining and re-thinking all aspects of business, and implementing forward-looking policies. Phil continues to be rewarded by the knowledge that Vesta products make a difference in patients' lives and is proud to work with our creative, innovative staff. Previously, Phil served in numerous management and technical roles for a $460 million subsidiary of Bridgestone / Firestone. He has a bachelor of science degree in biology from East Central University.
Robert DeRyke
Vice President, Quality and Regulatory
Rob joined the Vesta team in May 2011 and is excited about the opportunity to enhance and leverage Vesta’s quality system to improve patient care and strengthen Vesta’s position as a valued healthcare partner. Rob has over 20 years of experience in global quality and regulatory affairs in the medical device, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Prior to joining the Vesta team, Rob held executive positions with Baxter Healthcare, Hospira and Thermo Fisher Scientific. Most recently Rob worked for Baxter, where he was responsible for establishing the strategic direction for its global quality system. Rob earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Western Michigan University and a Master of Business Administration from Michigan State University. Rob is a member of the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) and the American Society for Quality (ASQ).
Jim Fitzgerald
Senior Vice President, Business Development
Jim Fitzgerald’s passion lies in helping Vesta customers develop and launch products that improve patient care. In his role as vice president of sales and marketing, Jim leads Vesta’s global efforts to reach and collaborate with new and existing customers. He has more than 18 years of healthcare experience, most recently with Cardinal Health as executive vice president. Jim has a bachelor of science degree in administration from the University of Notre Dame and master of science degree in management from Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
Chris Guglielmi
Chief Financial Officer
Chris Guglielmi came to Vesta in 2008 with 24 years of experience in healthcare financial management, and the desire to strengthen and maintain Vesta's fiscal position. He held positions of increasing responsibility at Baxter Healthcare following time with Pepsi General Bottlers, and Ernst and Whinney in Chicago. Chris is well versed in both domestic and global financial issues, and is proud to be part of the Vesta team. He has a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the University of Illinois.
S. Buddie Lusterio
Vice President of Engineering
Buddie Lusterio develops Vesta's engineering systems and technical processes, driving the company’s continuous improvement culture through the appropriate application of lean manufacturing concepts and Six Sigma methodologies. He is certified in Six Sigma and Statistical Engineering. In addition to his engineering responsibilities, he engages cross-functional teams in their effort to exceed customer expectations while adhering to Vesta's quality management system. He has over 27 years of experience in research and product development engineering, process and sustaining engineering, and operations and quality systems management. He has led teams focused exclusively on medical device manufacturing. Buddie has a Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree and earned his Masters in Engineering Management degree from the University of Dayton. He is thrilled to belong to a progressive company that diligently strives to remain on the forefront of medical device manufacturing technology.
Apur Lathiya
Vice President and General Manager, Thermoplastics Division
With 15 years of experience in precision thermoplastics extrusion for medical devices, Apur Lathiya uses his expertise to lead the growth of Vesta’s thermoplastics division. He previously worked at ExtruMed, most recently as chief operating officer. Apur enjoys working with a group of highly motivated colleagues as they strive to positively impact overall business performance. He has a bachelor’s in physiological sciences from UCLA and a master's in business administration from the University of Southern California.
Don Centell
Vice President of Engineering, Thermoplastics Division
Don Centell oversees the engineering department, including manufacturing, research and development, and new technologies. He also serves as a strategic resource for determining growth opportunities and for managing customer expectations. During his 21 years in the medical device industry, Don has developed significant expertise in working with thermoplastics, multilumens, balloons and tight-tolerance tubing at companies such as BSC/Fremont, B. Braun Medical and Guidant Corporation. He enjoys working for a company that encourages taking calculated risks in pushing the envelope and utilizing cutting-edge technologies. As a vice president, Don believes wholeheartedly in mentoring and giving opportunity to those who strive for it.
Brian Hayes
Vice President, Technical Services and Administration
Brian Hayes supports Vesta's mission every day through engineering and product development, as well as by driving our technical innovation. He brings more than 30 years of experience in organizational development, business planning and operations from Hamilton Sundstrand Aerospace and other companies. Brian is committed to helping Vesta’s people and processes be strategically sound and is keenly aware that the work Vesta does enhances the quality of patients’ lives. He has master of business administration degree and a bachelor of science degree in Business Law from the University of Wisconsin.
Trey Atkins
Vice President, Sales
Trey Atkins joined the Vesta team after 19 years in manufacturing leadership positions and 10 years in top medical sales positions. Through his combined expertise in engineering, operations and sales, Trey applies his unique insight in order to facilitate business growth and ensure that every customer achieves his project goals. As vice president of sales, Trey’s responsibilities primarily include sales territory management, team development, technical project support and customer relationship management. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from San Diego State University, with an emphasis on plastics manufacturing and operations.
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