Oct 09, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. John Black has joined the Appleton Coated sales management team in the role of director of sales and business development for the east. Black brings more than 20 years of experience to his role, most recently as vice president of sales and operations at New Leaf Paper. He will report to Darin Dodd, vice president of commercial sales, as Appleton Coated said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

Jean-Pierre (J.P.) Thomas has been hired for the position of sales representative serving the Southern California market. Thomas also brings more than 20 years of experience to his role, most recently as western territory sales manager for Finch Paper. He will report to Dan O’Connell, director of sales and business development for the west.

Dodd commented, “During his 12 year tenure at New Leaf, John led substantial sales growth. Prior to New Leaf, he worked at xpedx for eight years. This leadership and experience coupled with his understanding of our business and customers make him an excellent choice to lead the East Sales & Business Development Team.”

Continued Dodd, “We feel these latest organizational moves not only position Appleton Coated at full strength for continued growth in the coated free sheet, technical and specialty markets, they reaffirm our strong commitment to both our merchant partners and the end-user segment of our business.”

Appleton Coated offers the most comprehensive line-up of premium, coated papers available today marketed under the Utopia brand.