Bast Fibre Technologies Inc. (BFT), a manufacturer of premium natural fibers, announces that James Posa has been named president and chief executive officer. BFT co-founder and former CEO, Noel Hall, will now transition to executive chair focusing on the long-term strategic priorities for the company.

“Jim has exactly the right kind of experience, passion and skills to lead BFT for the next phase of our growth,” says Noel Hall. “This is the right time for Jim to assume the CEO role at BFT. The acquisition of FVT in Germany and most recently Lumberton Cellulose in North Carolina have greatly accelerated our move into large scale commercial production.”

Posa first joined BFT in September 2018 as a business development consultant and in April 2020, he was appointed to the role of president and general manager. Before joining BFT, Posa held senior executive roles in a variety of nonwoven and textile companies from start-ups to global divisions of fortune 500 global companies. He was the executive vice president/general manager of Fiberweb Group (since acquired by Berry Plastics and Fitesa), VP and general manager of Amoco Fabrics and Fibers, and CEO of Southern Weaving Company. Posa also sits on the board of the INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry.

“I am excited to lead BFT into its next phase of growth, building the foremost natural fiber innovator and manufacturer for the global nonwoven and specialty textile markets,” says Posa. “The world is urgently seeking solutions to plastics pollution and BFT’s tree-free and plastic-free, natural plant fibers will play a key role in the movement away from single use plastics.”