Sep 17, 2013. /Lesprom Network/. Kevin Richard has been named President of newly formed Mohawk Fine Paper Division. Formerly Executive Vice President, Operations & Chief Operating Officer at Mohawk, Mr. Richard will oversee sales, marketing, and operations for North America and all global markets, as the company said in the press release received by Lesprom Network.

“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. Mohawk’s core business will continue to grow and thrive as we allocate more time and resources to innovation and operational excellence,” said Kevin Richard, President, Mohawk Fine Paper.

Mr. Richard joined Mohawk in 1995, was promoted to Executive Vice President, Operations and Chief Operating Officer in 2005, and was appointed to the Mohawk Board of Directors in 2007. Prior to joining Mohawk, Mr. Richard had 13 years of experience in the paper industry. Mr. Richard has a BS Electrical Engineering degree from Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, and has completed executive education programs at Columbia Business School, Duke’s Fuqua School and Harvard Business School.

Paul Biesiadecki has been named President, Mohawk Digital. Previously Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing at Mohawk, Mr. 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. 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” said Paul Biesiadecki, President, Mohawk Digital.

Mr. Biesiadecki joined Mohawk in 2004, and was promoted to Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing in 2010. Prior to joining Mohawk, Mr. Biesiadecki had over 20 years of experience in the paper industry. Mr. Biesiadecki has a Bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin.

Mohawk is North America's largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing.