John Returns to Persson Innovation – Now Leading Growth in North America

We’re excited to welcome back John Lee to Persson Innovation, now in the role of Country Manager for North America. With a strong background in packaging and a passion for sustainability, John returns to lead the continued growth of Persson’s presence in the North American market. His focus will be on strengthening relationships with existing customers, building new partnerships, and driving forward the company’s mission.

We caught up with John to hear more about his return and what lies ahead.

We’re glad to have you back! How are you settling in, and how does it feel to return to the company after your time away?

Thank you! I’m very happy and excited to be back at Persson. From day one, I’ve felt incredibly welcomed — it feels like coming back home. There’s a strong sense of familiarity, but also a renewed energy that I’m excited to be part of.

Can you tell us a bit about your professional journey since you last worked at Persson Innovation?

I worked within the world of blow molding plastic bottles and containers, where I managed distribution customers across the U.S. It was a challenging but rewarding experience. I had the opportunity to build strong relationships and grow the customer pipeline, which gave me valuable insights into both operations and long-term business development.

What will your responsibilities be as Country Manager for North America, and what are your main goals?

In this role, I’m responsible for managing our core customers and driving organic growth in the North American market. That includes expanding our footprint by building new connections and identifying new opportunities. One of my key goals is to make it as easy as possible to do business with Persson. That means setting clear expectations, aligning on realistic goals, and working closely with both converters and brands to help them make their packaging more sustainable, accessible, and recyclable. Internally, I want to keep improving our processes so we can continue to be a reliable and responsive partner — and ultimately, our customers’ best supplier.

What do you value most about Persson Innovation’s mission and how do you see the company’s role in driving sustainability in the packaging industry?

What really stands out to me is Persson’s commitment to adding value to consumer packaging — not just through functionality, but through sustainability. By replacing plastic handles and promoting a circular economy, we’re helping our customers take meaningful steps toward more responsible packaging. I believe our role in this is critical. Single-use plastic handles are still widely used, and they represent a clear environmental challenge. Persson offers a smart, sustainable alternative — and that’s exactly what the industry needs. We’re not just talking about change; we’re delivering real solutions that help brands move toward a greener future.

What are you most excited about in this new chapter with Persson Innovation?

I’m excited to be part of what I like to call “Persson 2.0” — a new phase of growth and innovation. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with existing customers, building new relationships, and helping to strengthen our presence in the North American market. There’s a lot of potential, and I’m looking forward to helping us reach it.

One last question! What do you enjoy doing outside of work that helps you recharge and stay inspired?

Spending time with my family is what keeps me grounded and motivated. We love being outdoors and exploring new places — especially unique cafés. That time together helps me recharge and come back to work with fresh energy and perspective.