Neenah Paper Inc. (NYSE: NP), Alphareta, Georgia, has announced that John P. O’Donnell will retire as CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors effective on May 21, 2020, and that the Board of Directors has unanimously elected Julie A. Schertell, senior vice president and COO, to succeed him in both roles. Ms. Schertell will join Neenah’s Board effective immediately.
O’Donnell has been CEO since 2011 and joined the Board in November 2010. Prior to becoming CEO, O’Donnell served as Neenah’s COO and as president, Fine Paper and Packaging.
Schertell joined Neenah in 2008, and had been president of both the Technical Products and the Fine Paper and Packaging businesses before being named COO in December 2019. Prior to coming to Neenah, Schertell worked at Georgia-Pacific Corporation, where she held increasingly responsible leadership positions in Finance, Supply Chain, and Sales and Marketing.
“It has been an honor and privilege to lead Neenah and be able to work with so many talented and dedicated individuals during my 13 years here,” said O’Donnell. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished during this time, and optimistic about the future. Julie is an exceptional and proven leader, and I look forward to working with her to ensure a smooth transition and Neenah’s continued success under her guidance.”
