Sabert Corp. names 1st CFO for North America operations

Zhao

Sabert Corp. named its first chief financial officer for the Sayreville-based food packaging company’s North America operations.

In an Aug. 30 press release, Sabert announced the appointment of Christina Zhao to the post, effective immediately.

After joining the company in 2010 as controller, Zhao was named vice president of finance for Sabert’s North American region four years later. Since then, she has progressively broadened her role as leader of the finance team, steering it through multimillion dollar integrations of Sabert’s acquisitions, including eco-friendly packaging producer LBP Manufacturing in 2019 and plastic packaging solutions provider Mullinix Packages Inc. in 2016.

Originally from China, Zhao came to the United States to pursue her MBA at Thunderbird School of Global Management. After graduating, her career progressed through various financial analyst and controller roles at global companies, including Reckitt Benckiser, Johnson Controls Corp. and Delphi Corp., according to Sabert.

In her expanded senior leadership position at Sabert, Zhao will oversee financial aspects of Sabert North America and report to Gary Ziznewski, president of Sabert North America and global CFO.

Ziznewski congratulated Zhao on her new role, saying Zhao “has been instrumental in setting up many financial systems, processes, and tools that have supported the company’s expansion.”

“Her career journey here at Sabert is a testament to her dedication, tenacity and commitment to the pursuit of excellence. Christina’s remarkable leadership and unwavering drive for continuous improvement set an example for all aspiring leaders and will be instrumental in Sabert’s future growth,” he said.

Founded 40 years ago by Albert Salama with a product line of just five items, Sabert currently manufactures more than 1,000 stock keeping units (SKUs) used by international, national and local food retailers, including restaurant chains, supermarkets, food processors and foodservice distribution.

With more than 2,000 employees and seven manufacturing facilities across the globe, Sabert is considered an established leader in the food packaging industry.

Zhao remarked, “When I first joined Sabert, the company was much smaller. Today, we stand as a thriving billion-dollar enterprise. Sabert sets itself apart from many other companies for its resilience in the face of challenges and its culture of inclusiveness and support.”

She went on, “I have the great privilege of working with so many terrific people at this exceptional company, including my wonderful team, who are passionate about Sabert’s values and deliver stellar results year after year. As I reflect on my 13-year journey, I feel my ‘American Dream’ is coming true. I am humbled and grateful for the continued opportunity to contribute to the growth of the company.”

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