Gorham Paper and Tissue Names Cummings CEO

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Cummings will manage the day-to-day business and drive the overall strategic direction for this two year-old startup. His immediate focus is to capitalize on the rapid growth of the company in specialty markets by accelerating innovation through product development, optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing the overall customer experience.

"I am impressed by the progress Gorham has made over such a short period of time. The company has tackled the energy platform, installed a state-of-the-art tissue machine, and now invested in hiring a full-time CEO," said Cummings. "There is a solid strategic plan in place and long-term viability for the business. I am excited to harness the momentum and lead this business to the next level."

The Gorham leadership role had previously been filled by Dick Arnold, who acted in a dual capacity for Patriarch Partners, New York, N.Y., as the president and CEO for both Gorham and Old Town Fuel and Fiber in Maine. Arnold's knowledge and leadership skills are needed exclusively at Old Town to commercialize its bio-refinery project, a cutting-edge technology that transforms paper by-products into biofuels or feedstock.

Cummings joins Gorham from Thermo Fisher Scientific, where he served as the director of global operations within the Slides and Specialty Glass business unit. Previously, he served as COO in the consumer division of Crane & Co. Prior to that, he was SVP of The Newark Group, Cranford, N.J. Additionally, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Cornell University and a MBA degree from Harvard Business School.

Gorham targets niche technical markets with a broad portfolio of customized tissue, towel, and specialty packaging, converting, and engineered and printing papers. In May 2011, the Gorham facility was acquired with support from investment funds managed by Patriarch Partners.