KP Tissue CEO Mario Gosselin to retire on March 8, 2018

KP Tissue (KPT) has announced that Mario Gosselin has decided to retire from his position as Chief Executive Officer of KP Tissue and Kruger Products L.P. (KPLP) as of March 8, 2018, and that Dino Bianco will succeed him.

Gosselin began his career with Kruger Inc. almost 40 years ago and has held a number of senior positions with the group in both Canada and the UK. Gosselin was appointed CEO of KPLP in October 2012. "Although Mario has achieved many accomplishments throughout his career, he will be remembered above all for his leadership, the successful implementation of many capital projects including the TAD Project in Memphis, the seamless transition to a public company and growing KPLP's sales from $923 million in 2012 to $1.2 billion in 2016. On behalf of the Board and of all the employees, I would like to sincerely thank Mario for his exceptional contributions," said Joseph Kruger II, Chairman of Kruger Products.

Bianco is an accomplished and highly respected executive who brings more than 25 years of financial, sales and marketing and senior management experience with Kraft. As President of Kraft Canada, Bianco successfully led a business with several billion in sales, 23 brands, 11 facilities and more than 5,000 employees. Bianco has also developed a strong relationship with Canadian retailers and in 2013 was the recipient of the Food Industry Association of Canada's Golden Pencil Award, which recognized his lifetime contribution to the grocery sector. 

Furthermore, he has extensive US and foodservice experience, having recently served as President of Kraft's multi-billion US beverage division based in Chicago. During his tenure, he was responsible for driving significant growth, profits and innovation. "The Board is excited to have found someone of Dino's calibre to succeed Mr. Gosselin. Mr. Bianco has extensive CPG experience and the strategic mindset to lead Kruger Products through its next phase of growth," Kruger added.

Bianco holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Toronto and is a Chartered Professional Accountant. He currently sits on the boards of Welbilt Foodservice and of Andrew Peller Ltd.

To ensure a smooth and efficient transition, Gosselin will remain with KPLP until June 15, 2018. He also intends to continue to sit as a Director and Vice-Chair of KPLP's Board until that date, at which time Bianco will join the KPLP Board.

KPT was created to acquire, and its business is limited to holding, a limited partnership interest in KPLP.

Kruger Products is Canada's leading manufacturer of quality tissue products for household, industrial and commercial use. KPLP serves the Canadian consumer market with such well-known brands as Cashmere®, Purex®, SpongeTowels®, Scotties® and White Swan®. In the US, KPLP manufactures the White Cloud® brand, as well as many private label products. KPLP has approximately 2,500 employees and operates eight FSC® CoC certified (FSC® C104904) production facilities in North America.