Yanni Hufnagel is chairman and co-founder of Lemon Perfect and a business executive with decades of experience in energy, chemicals, and manufacturing. Yanni is an expert in compound management and coordination, developing sulfuric acid at the RFA plant to produce SO2 and H2SO4 for sale to the fertilizer industry. He was responsible for negotiating long-term sales contracts with international customers, importing bulk materials from India and China, negotiating complex pricing agreements with suppliers in Europe and Asia, and maintaining inventory levels at all sites in North America. He has created a New York-based consulting firm that advises on strategic business development and transaction processes.
- Biography Background
Yanni was born in Montreal and grew up in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His father, a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), worked for the Department of National Defence as a liaison officer to NATO forces. In his youth, he participated in international hockey tournaments and traveled extensively. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Ottawa and was commissioned into the Canadian Forces in 1975. He later attended graduate studies at the University of British Columbia, receiving a Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering.
- Achievements
Yanni Hufnagel has been involved in the oil and gas industry since 1970. His career began as a purification engineer at the now-defunct Canadian Tire Corporation. He then became an executive in the aluminum industry, moving to Calgary in 1988 as president of Alcan Aluminum Extrusions Inc. and later president of a subsidiary that produced seamless tubing for the oil and gas industry. He has received numerous industry awards, including Distinguished Engineering Achievement in 1989 by the Alberta Society of Professional Engineers. He was also the recipient of the 1999 John C. Polanyi Award and the 1997 Industry Executive of the Year award by “Manufacturing Week” and “Courier.”
Yanni’s success has been mainly due to his leadership and vision; he has been great at integrating multiple functions in all company areas. He has contributed significantly to the growth and success of Lemon Perfect. He has been a great leader and motivator. Yanni has set an excellent example for others through his wise decisions.