PerfectVision Infrastructure Vice President Chris Pleibel surprised the telecom industry last week by announcing his departure from the leading manufacturer. While career moves are common in the field, Pleibel’s decision to leave the wireless industry altogether was unexpected by colleagues who have come to know him well since he began his 26-year career in telecom at monopole and tower manufacturer Summit Manufacturing.
Veteran telecom professionals often say that steel fabrication is an “intoxicating” field that keeps many engaged for life. Yet Pleibel revealed on LinkedIn that he’s taking on a new role outside wireless as Chief Commercial Officer for M&M Tubing International.
Despite the industry shift, he’ll remain involved in steel development and fabrication, albeit in a different capacity: M&M specializes in high-performance stainless steel tubing for critical medical and pharmaceutical applications. Whereas Pleibel previously worked with components using large galvanized pipes up to 12 inches or more in diameter, M&M’s products are much smaller, with diameters from 0.003 to 0.020 inches.
“I’ve had the pleasure of building a wireless business with Chris at two companies,” said Doug Salvatori, Senior Vice President of Infrastructure at PerfectVision. “The relationships Chris built over 30 years are irreplaceable. I will manage his team directly, while Anthony Castillo, Director of Sales, will take over national sales responsibilities. Chris is not just a colleague but a dear friend, and I’ll be cheering him on in this new chapter,” Salvatori added.
Pleibel is widely respected in the industry for his unwavering support of clients. His commitment to the telecom community is reflected in his extensive involvement, including his tenure as President of the Pennsylvania Wireless Association from 2006 to 2017, and his service on the Tower Family Foundation’s Advisory Committee.
Before joining PerfectVision, Pleibel was instrumental in growing Primus Electronics and held sales roles at Andrew Corporation and MTS Wireless Components. Since graduating from Kutztown University in 1991, Pleibel has focused on professional and personal growth, shaped by early leadership experiences—from his involvement in student government and status as an Eagle Scout to a high school team captain.
Throughout his career, Pleibel has demonstrated strong community commitment, including his leadership in raising over $650,000 for Penn State’s Children’s Hospital. His work has also driven numerous conferences and networking events that underscore his leadership in the wireless infrastructure sector.