Who We Are

KEY MANAGEMENT

Rolf W. Hemmerling, Chairman of the Board and Managing Director and founder of PRP in 1982. Mr. Hemmerling was previously Managing Director of Umbro International (JV), Managing Director of Max Factor (Europe) and Manager Finance and Operations of Levi Strauss (Americas); and Vice President/CFO for PLM. Mr. Hemmerling has traveled in 50 countries over the past 26 years, and has lived in Europe, South America, Australia and Asia. He frequently lectures on international business, countertrade, and the role of entrepreneurs in international economic development.

John B. Hardaway III, Vice President and Corporate Secretary. A leading intellectual property lawyer and member of the South Carolina bar, serves in matters concerning licensing, trademark and patent protection and other international trade activities, and provides extensive legal services to PRP's members. He helps structure joint ventures between European, African, Latin American, Asian, and American firms.

William E. Haynes, Vice President of Business Development. Mr. Haynes is an attorney and formerly was senior financial officer for several major financial institutions and industrial corporations including Wells Fargo Bank and Kaiser Aluminum & Chemical. He is a member of the California, Illinois and Wisconsin bars. He specializes in U.S. and international tax and business law and provides expert counsel on mergers and acquisitions, and assists U.S. firms in understanding their legal obligations in other countries.

Malcolm AK Smith, Vice President of International Services. A native of England, Mr. Smith brings more than 40 years of retail and consumer products marketing experience to PRP's members. A particular strength for Mr. Smith is identifying the most appropriate market niche, developing the potential and maximizing the client's return on investment. He was one of the first businessmen to recognize the emerging global market and the new operating realities, becoming one of the pioneers of the "global approach" to building a business.

Chaitanya M. Shah Vice President - Asia Mr. Shah has 24 years of experience in international business, with emphasis on industrial and consumer products. He has traveled and lived in Europe, North America, Asia and South America. His specialty is in technology transfers, engineering applications and operations management.