leadership

that moves markets.

For more than eight decades, MPB has been guided by leaders who blend market intelligence, relationship-driven service, and operational excellence. Our leadership team ensures every trade is backed by clarity, strategy, and trust.

Valerie Simeral

President & Owner

Valerie joined MPB Commodities in 2016 after more than a decade in the defense industry, where she specialized in engineering, program management, and strategic planning. Her cross-disciplinary experience has been instrumental in involving MPB’s business model and expanding its operational capabilities. 

As the architect and lead behind MPB’s proprietary CERES platform, Valerie translated her background in systems engineering into a dynamic digital infrastructure, driving automation, efficiency, and transparency across the commodities sector. Her focus on strategic foresight continues to shape how MPB approaches trade, reporting, and logistics, reinforcing the company’s reputation for innovation and precision. 

Ryan Simeral

Senior Broker & Owner

Ryan, a third-generation commodity oil broker, joined MPB Commodities in 2005 and has dedicated his career to advancing the U.S. oils market. His expertise spans end consumers, refiners, and plantations across Malaysia and Indonesia, where he has cultivated strong global relationships that support both buyers and suppliers. Building on MPB’s longstanding legacy within tropical oils, Ryan continues to champion transparency in pricing, rigorous market analysis, and long-term shipping programs that drive efficiency and scale throughout the U.S. market.

As an owner and innovator within MPB, Ryan plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s continued growth and modernization. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, adaptability, and the integration of strategic logistics and risk management practices across all operations. Through ongoing investments in MPB’s internal systems and client partnerships, Ryan remains committed to advancing the brokerage industry and delivering measurable value across the global supply chain.

our team

your partners in clarity, communication, and insight.

Kevin Flanagan

Senior Broker & Vice President

With 25 years of experience in the refined oils industry, Kevin specializes in both soft and tropical oils across the U.S. market. He partners with major consumer products companies to lead procurement and RFP strategies that align with evolving regulatory requirements. Kevin’s global network and expertise in palm sustainability, contaminant mitigation, and renewable compliance make him a trusted advisor for compliant, integrated sourcing solutions.

Steven Luster

Senior Broker & Vice President

Steven brings nearly two decades of experience in the fats and oils industry, with deep expertise in trading soft oil positions across domestic and export markets. Having worked on both the supplier and procurement sides, he has led purchasing and risk management for a top U.S. fats and oils buyer. His end-to-end market insight and strong industry relationships make him a reliable partner for food and feed brands navigating volatility in global commodity markets.

Brian Shultz

Senior Broker & Vice President

Brian brings over 25 years of experience across fats, oils, and renewable feedstocks, with deep roots in the soy crush and bio-based energy sectors. He has led initiatives to aggregate and manage UCO, DCO, and other waste streams for renewable fuel production, while fostering cross-sector partnerships to advance sustainability. Brian also oversees RED II (ISCC) and LCFS certification pathways, ensuring MPB’s clients meet global standards for responsible sourcing and compliance.

Jessica Hecht

Director of Commercial Operations & Broker

Jessica brings nearly 15 years of experience in the vegetable oil and renewable feedstock industries, bridging both operations and brokerage. She has built her career managing complex supply chains across tropical and liquid oils, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and reliability from origin to delivery. Jessica’s dual expertise in logistics and market execution allows her to anticipate shifts, streamline operations, and deliver seamless service to MPB’s partners worldwide.

Ryan Simeral

Senior Broker & Owner

Ryan has spent over two decades advancing innovation within the fats, oils, and renewable feedstock markets. With deep expertise in global trade strategy, market analysis, and client development, Ryan has been instrumental in shaping MPB’s growth and operational framework. His focus on integrity, transparency, and long-term partnership continues to guide MPB’s approach to responsible, high-performance trading.

team directory

Valerie Simeral

President & Owner

Ryan Simeral

Senior Broker & Owner

Kevin Flanagan

Senior Broker & Vice President

Steven Luster

Senior Broker & Vice President

Brian Shultz

Senior Broker & Vice President

Jessica Hecht

Director of Commercial Operations & Broker

ready to work with a team you can trust?