Mohawk, Cohoes, N.Y., has announced an organizational restructuring, creating two new distinct business units: Mohawk Fine Paper and Mohawk Digital. This move will support the growth in Mohawk’s emerging digital business while securing the future of its core fine paper business.
The 82-year old manufacturer’s core business of fine text and cover papers and envelopes will be managed within the Mohawk Fine Paper division, while the company’s growing portfolio of digital substrates – including a wide range of papers and non papers for printing across dry toner, liquid toner and ink jet devices, will be managed within the new Mohawk Digital division.
“Mohawk’s traditional fine paper business is mature, while our digital business has experienced, and is positioned for, rapid growth,” said Thomas D. O’Connor, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer, Mohawk. “Given the differing maturity levels of these two segments, it was necessary to develop individual growth strategies to ensure future success.”
Kevin Richard has been named president of Mohawk Fine Paper Division. Formerly executive vice president of operations and chief operating officer at Mohawk, Richard will oversee sales, marketing and operations for North America and all global markets.
“Mohawk has proudly manufactured the finest text and cover papers since 1931, including iconic brands like Superfine and Strathmore, and we believe now more than ever, fine paper is being appreciated as consumers rediscover the beauty and impact of paper and print in a digital era,” Richard said. “Mohawk’s core business will continue to grow and thrive as we allocate more time and resources to innovation and operational excellence.”
Richard joined Mohawk in 1995, was promoted to executive vice president of operations and chief operating officer in 2005, and was appointed to the Mohawk board of directors in 2007. Prior to joining Mohawk, he had 13 years of experience in the paper industry. Richard has a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Northeastern University, and has completed executive education programs at Columbia Business School, Duke’s Fuqua School and Harvard Business School.
Paul Biesiadecki has been named president of Mohawk Digital. Previously executive vice president of sales and marketing at Mohawk, Biesiadecki will have sales, marketing, operational and financial responsibility for Mohawk’s digital business and will oversee the expansion of the digital portfolio, develop relationships with key strategic partners and lead Mohawk’s digital specialist sales force.
“We have enhanced our historical leadership position in digital papers through acquisition and the development of strategic partnerships,” Biesiadecki said. “Our portfolio of digital papers, specialty digital substrates, and services is now the most comprehensive offering in the industry. This business unit model gives us the focus and resources to take full advantage of the growth opportunities in digital printing.”
Biesiadecki joined Mohawk in 2004, and was promoted to executive vice president of sales and marketing in 2010. Prior to joining Mohawk, he had over 20 years of experience in the paper industry. Biesiadecki has a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.
“Paul and Kevin are experienced leaders with the knowledge, skills and passion necessary to drive innovation and growth through improved focus and accountability,” said Thomas D. O’Connor, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Mohawk.
For more information, visit www.mohawkconnects.com.
