Changes Afoot for Plastics Technology

Perhaps sidetracked by NPE2024 and everything going on around that recently concluded trade show, I have been derelict in filling you in on some changes going on behind the scenes at Plastics Technology. One of them happened a few months ago, when Jeff Sloan took over as brand manager of PT.

Jeff is a seasoned publishing professional with a background in plastics. From 1996 to 2006, Sloan served as the editor-in-chief and then publisher of Injection Molding and Modern Plastics magazines. More recently,  from 2006 to 2023, Jeff served as editor-in-chief of PT’s sister publication CompositesWorld (CW), and since 2023 has been brand vice president of CW. PT parent company Gardner Business Media is excited that Sloan is returning to the plastics industry to help guide what has become the most dominant media brand in the global plastics marketplace.

Jeff had this to say about the change: “This opportunity to lead PT and return to the plastics industry is a challenge I relish. Fortunately, PT has a strong and stable team of editors, salespeople and support staff that make this the most respected media brand in the plastics industry. I’m thrilled to be back.”

There is a change coming on the editorial side of PT as well. Effective with the September 2024 issue of PT, Tony Deligio, currently executive editor of PT, will move to the “big chair,” becoming editor-in-chief and lead the development, production and deployment of all editorial content for the brand. That means, among other things, it will be his mug shot, as opposed to mine, on this page every issue filling you in on the goings-on impacting plastics processing. 

Deligio says of the change, “I’m humbled to take over editorial leadership of Plastics Technology magazine and am extremely lucky to have the opportunity to transition into this role with the help and guidance of Jim Callari, who has been a fantastic steward and champion of the brand for so long. PT will continue to be a leading resource for plastics processors seeking best practices and new technologies to further improve their operations.”

As for me, I am not retiring, just stepping back as part of a transition plan that has been in the works for more than a year. I will continue to visit processors and suppliers, and report on new technology, particularly as it relates to extrusion and auxiliary equipment. I will also continue to develop technical programming for our Extrusion Conference.

Fact is, Tony Deligio is an experienced and respected voice in our business, and given where we both are in our respective careers, and how much the business of trade media has changed, it is in the best interest of us as individuals, the Plastics Technology brand under Jeff’s leadership and Gardner Business Media to have fresh eyes and new ideas directing our content.

I hope you welcome Jeff and Tony as they take on new responsibilities at Plastics Technology.