Thiele Kaolin Co., Sandersville, Ga., USA, has announced that Paul Kirschling will retire as president, effective Feb. 1, 2015, and that Eric Tillirson (photo), SVP and director of sales development, has been named Kirschling’s successor. In a memo to employees, Kirschling expressed gratitude for his co-workers’ friendship, support, expertise, and sacrifices that aided him and the company during his 39 year career with Thiele.

 

Kirschling graduated from the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire and joined Thiele in 1976 as a technician in the Reedy Creek Control Lab, where he remained for three years. In 1979, he was promoted to quality control lab foreman and supervisor. Kirschling then became assistant operations manager at Reedy Creek in 1988 and served in that role until 1989, when he became manager of research and development in Sandersville. In 2004, he was elected VP and technical director, and in 2011 assumed the role of president, joining the company’s board of directors.

 

Kirschling said that "succession planning has always been important for Thiele, and I am very pleased that the board has selected Eric Tillirson to be president. He has been a great asset to the company in his prior roles and will do an even better job as president. Thiele Kaolin Co. is in great hands."

 

Tillirson earned a B.S. degree in chemistry from Presbyterian College and an MBA from Georgia College & State University. He joined Thiele in 1999 as marketing manager and was promoted to director of marketing in 2002. In 2004, he was appointed VP of sales, marketing, and technical service. Since 2013, Tillirson has served as SVP and director of sales development.

 

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the skilled and dedicated women and men of Thiele Kaolin Co.," Tillirson said. "While there are global challenges that face our industry and company, I have absolute confidence in the Thiele team. We will continue to deliver innovative products that provide value to our customers, with an ongoing focus on quality, safety, and integrity."

 

Thiele Kaolin Co. mines, processes, blends, and delivers a full spectrum of kaolin coating and filler pigments, each tailored to meet specific customer needs.