Senior Management Team

Peter Sorensen, M. Eng., P.Eng.

CEO & Founder

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Peter Sorensen began his career in bulk material handling in 1977 and, after more than a decade of industry experience, co-founded EMS-Tech in 1988. As Founder and CEO, Peter has guided the company from its beginnings into a globally active engineering organization specializing in complex bulk material handling systems, including stacker-reclaimers, shiploaders, reclaimers, self-unloading and transhipment systems.

With nearly five decades of industry experience, Peter remains closely involved in the development of EMS-Tech’s systems and continues to provide technical and strategic leadership across the organization. His entrepreneurial vision and engineering expertise have helped shape EMS-Tech’s capabilities and reputation worldwide. Today, his focus is equally on the future — driving continued growth, expanding EMS-Tech’s global reach and capabilities, and positioning the company for long-term success under the next generation of leadership.

Kirsten Sorensen, P.Eng.

President

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Kirsten Sorensen joined EMS-Tech in 2001 and has held progressive roles across engineering, project management, and major equipment consulting. She began leading the Engineering & Design team in 2012, later serving as Vice President of Engineering and Corporate Director, where she played an important role in strengthening EMS-Tech’s technical capabilities and supporting the company’s continued growth.

Today, as President of EMS-Tech, Kirsten leads the company’s overall direction and development, with a focus on engineering excellence, innovation, operational strength, and long-term growth. Her broad technical and leadership experience helps ensure EMS-Tech continues to deliver practical, high-quality solutions while expanding its capabilities and global presence.

John Elder, P.Eng.

Senior Advisor – Marketing, Sales & Product Development

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John Elder joined EMS-Tech in 1995 and has worked in the bulk material handling industry since 1977. Over the course of his career, John has played an important role in the research, development, commercialization, and application of material handling solutions, particularly for self-unloading vessels and transhipment systems around the world.

After many years in executive leadership, including serving as Vice President of Marketing, Sales & Product Development, John now serves as Senior Advisor – Marketing, Sales & Product Development. In this role, he remains an important member of EMS-Tech’s leadership team, providing strategic guidance, supporting key opportunities and product development initiatives, and sharing nearly five decades of industry knowledge and experience with the next generation of EMS-Tech leaders and technical specialists.

Daryl Martinson, CPA, CA

Executive Vice President – Finance & Accounting

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Daryl Martinson joined EMS-Tech in 2010 and today serves as Executive Vice President of Finance & Accounting, with responsibility for the financial management, accounting, reporting, and financial governance of the EMS-Tech group of companies. With more than 30 years of finance and accounting experience across a broad range of industries, Daryl brings extensive financial leadership and business insight to support EMS-Tech’s operations, strategic planning, and continued growth.

Kyle Sorensen, CITP

Executive Vice President – Marketing & Business Development

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Kyle Sorensen joined EMS-Tech in 2012 in the After Sales group, where he developed a strong understanding of the company’s clients, systems, vendors, and global markets. He later moved into business development and marine system sales, helping expand EMS-Tech’s presence in new regions and grow its marine systems business.

Today, as Executive Vice President of Marketing & Business Development, Kyle leads global business development and marketing, with a focus on client satisfaction, market expansion, and long-term growth across both the Marine and Landside businesses.

Andrew Birchard, P.Eng., MBA

Vice President – Projects

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Andrew Birchard joined EMS-Tech in 2010 and brings a diverse background spanning high technology and heavy industry, with experience in engineering, management, cost improvement, product management, and market development.

As Vice President of Projects, Andrew leads EMS-Tech’s Project Management team and plays a central role in the successful execution of the company’s projects from award through delivery and commissioning. He remains closely involved in major projects, helping coordinate technical, commercial, schedule, and customer requirements while supporting consistent project delivery across EMS-Tech’s global business.

John Milligan, P.Eng.

Vice President – Sales

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John Milligan has more than 20 years of experience with EMS-Tech, progressing through a range of technical, project, procurement, and leadership roles from Junior Engineer to Senior Project Engineer, Procurement Manager, and now Vice President of Sales. His strong technical foundation, hands-on field experience, management background, and global project exposure provide a well-rounded perspective in leading EMS-Tech’s sales activities and supporting the development of practical, customer-focused solutions across the company’s markets.

Chad Starr, P.Eng.

Vice President – Engineering & Design

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Chad Starr joined EMS-Tech in 2008 and has built nearly two decades of experience across the design, delivery, commissioning, and life-extension of complex material handling systems, including stacker reclaimers, self-unloaders, and shiploaders.

Now Vice President of Engineering & Design, Chad leads EMS-Tech’s technical teams and engineering functions, bringing extensive global project experience to the development and delivery of innovative, reliable material handling solutions.

Luke Huitema

Vice President – European Operations

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Luke Huitema joined EMS-Tech in 1999 as a Mechanical Engineer and, in 2000, helped establish the company’s European sales and support presence in the Netherlands. Over the years, he has held a broad range of technical and commercial roles, including systems design, project engineering, project management, inspections, and market development, building extensive experience in self-unloading and transhipment systems.

Today, Luke’s focus is on strengthening EMS-Tech’s operations and presence across Europe, developing the region, supporting key customers, and identifying new opportunities for growth. His combination of technical knowledge, international business experience, and long-standing customer relationships continues to play an important role in expanding EMS-Tech’s European business.

David Jesse

Vice President – Advanced Systems & Product Development

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David Jesse joined the EMS-Tech Management Team in 2023, bringing more than two decades of industry experience in bulk material handling, mineral processing, stockpile reclaiming, and port systems.

As Vice President of Advanced Systems & Product Development, David leads the group responsible for research and development, specialty projects, and the development of new systems, technologies, and solutions. His broad technical and industry experience supports EMS-Tech’s continued focus on innovation, complex system development, and advancing solutions for unique material handling applications.

Craig Nikiforuk, P.Eng., PMP

Vice President – After Sales Parts & Services

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Craig Nikiforuk joined EMS-Tech in 2020 as a Project Manager, leading a range of marine projects before moving into leadership of the company’s after-sales business. As Vice President of After Sales, Parts & Services, Craig is responsible for EMS-Tech’s lifecycle support activities, including spare parts, service, field support, and long-term customer support across its installed systems.

Prior to joining EMS-Tech, Craig spent more than twenty years in the passenger rail industry, holding senior roles with responsibility for project delivery, technical execution, resource management, and process development.

Jennifer Parker, B.Sc.

Vice President – Canadian Operations

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Jennifer Parker has over 20 years of experience across diverse industries. At EMS-Tech, she led key initiatives in the quality management system and project planning before advancing into operational leadership. Jennifer is passionate about data-driven decision-making and leveraging both technology and analytics to improve business performance and support organizational growth.