MADAWASKA, Maine (News release) -- Following on the heels of Tony Mollica's appointment to CEO of Twin Rivers, the company continues to build on its play to win strategy with the announcement of six new, highly experienced cross-functional team members. The team is well-positioned to realize company-wide strategic objectives as it drives advancements in innovation and productivity, as well as operational, commercial, and customer service excellence.

"We are excited to leverage the deep market experience this team possesses as we continue to transform our business mix and look for growth opportunities. These organizational changes support our efforts to build a strong, differentiated company focused on our customers. Through a team-driven approach and culture that values innovation, we will challenge the status quo and accelerate our drive to becoming the premier North American specialty paper producer," said Mollica.

Mark Lukacs has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. With over 33 years of experience in the industry, including senior-level positions at WestRock and Verso, Lukacs is a results-driven, experienced operational leader responsible for all aspects of Twin Rivers' pulp and paper production. Lukacs' fresh perspective will help the company optimize manufacturing performance and improve efficiency.

Stepping into the newly created role of Chief Commercial Officer is Jeffrey Hederick who will work closely with Mollica and other senior leaders to enhance commercial excellence capabilities that drive growth and customer satisfaction. With over 30 years of experience, Hederick previously worked as Managing Director for a private equity-owned manufacturing business. Additionally, he served as President, Paper & Print Group for Unisource Worldwide, and Vice President of Distribution Sales for global paper producer UPM.

Hederick will lean on the business and customer insight of seasoned team members Tony Rigelman, Vice President of Sales, and Brian McAlary, Vice President of Business Development, Technical and Export Sales.

John Graves has been appointed to Vice President of Innovation and Productivity, another newly created position. Graves plans to build a more definitive bridge between the commercial and product development teams, thus streamlining the product innovation timeline. "Innovation is critical to our ongoing business transformation. Selecting the right projects and developing the right products and services to quickly address market needs while continuing to provide cutting-edge solutions for converters and brand owners is our collective priority," said Graves.

Mike Soucy, a Twin Rivers veteran of over 28 years, has been named General Manager of the Plaster Rock operation. This lumber mill, which has recently set new productivity records, produces by-product softwood chips and biomass utilized at the Edmundston pulp mill. Soucy's long-term understanding of the paper side of the business and his action-oriented management style will allow him to facilitate process efficiencies quickly.

John Bates, who has spent the past four years working with the New York mills in various capacities, has been named the Director of NY Operations. With his previous experience and process-oriented approach, Bates can bypass the learning curve and immediately begin executing high-impact initiatives.

Rounding out the new team members is Jason Querze, Customer Service Manager. Focused on creating and maintaining industry-leading customer service as a means for developing ongoing collaborative partnerships, Querze is responsible for the teams handling the New York and Maine-based products. Querze returns to Twin Rivers after holding multiple service-oriented management positions at Domtar.

"This diverse mix of industry-leading talent is critical to building the infrastructure needed to achieve our goals," added Mollica. "Strategic advancements such as this add long-term value to customer partnerships and will help us achieve market leadership."