Neenah, Inc. announced that Julie A. Schertell has been named chief operating officer (COO), reporting to John O’Donnell, chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1. Schertell joined Neenah in 2008 and is currently senior vice president and president of Technical Products. Previous positions Schertell has held in Neenah have included president – Fine Paper & Packaging, and vice-president – Fine Paper Sales, Marketing and Supply Chain. Prior to joining Neenah, she worked at Georgia-Pacific Corporation, starting her career at a manufacturing facility, and holding subsequent business leadership positions in finance, supply chain, and sales and marketing. In her new role Schertell will have direct overall responsibility for both Neenah’s Technical Products and Fine Paper and Packaging businesses.

With this change, the company will implement a functionally-driven organization across all businesses. In this new structure, Byron Racki, currently senior vice president and president – Fine Paper & Packaging, has been named senior VP – Sales & Marketing, with responsibility for revenue generating strategies and commercial activities across the company. Ron Lane, senior VP – Operations, will continue to be responsible for company-wide global manufacturing cost performance and efficiency efforts.  Both Racki and Lane, as well as the Human Resource and Information Technology functions, will report directly to Schertell.

“Julie’s leadership abilities, coupled with her deep knowledge of Neenah and broad business background, make her well-prepared for this important role. As COO, Julie will have clear responsibility for the implementation of our operating strategies,” says O’Donnell. “The new functional realignment will allow us to deliver on our ongoing improvement expectations in a productive and effective manner, and I’m confident that this change will support the acceleration of growth and deliver meaningful ongoing operating efficiencies.”