Orchids Paper Products Co., Pryor, Okla., USA, this past week announced that Robert A. Snyder, president, CEO, and director of Orchids, will be retiring from the company upon expiration of the current term of his employment agreement on December 31. Snyder resigned from the board of directors of the company effective November 4, and stepped down as president and CEO November 8. Snyder, also a member of the TAPPI Board of Directors, will continue to serve in an advisory role with Orchids during a transition period through his retirement on December 31.

Jeffrey S. Schoen, as Orchids’ former chairman of the board, said that "we wish to thank Bob Snyder for his contributions and distinguished service in leading Orchids over the past six years. Through Bob's leadership, the company has continued to grow while delivering significant value to our stockholders. We wish Bob the best of luck."

Orchids also announced that Schoen has been elected by the board to succeed Snyder as president and CEO of the company, which became effective November 8.

Schoen has been a director of Orchids since 2007 and chairman of the board since May of this year. Prior to serving as a director of Orchids, he served as EVP of Cumberland Swan Inc., a private label producer of personal care products, from 2002 through 2006. From 1999 through 2002, Schoen was employed by Paragon Trade Brands, a private label manufacturer of disposable diapers and training pants, last serving as VP of Operations. He holds a BS degree in chemical engineering from the University of Wisconsin.

Effective November 4, Schoen resigned from his role as chairman of the board, but continues to serve as a director.

Steven R. Berlin succeeds Schoen as the new chairman of the board. On behalf of the board, Berlin said that "the board is excited to have Jeff Schoen assume the role of president and CEO of Orchids. Jeff is a strong leader and a talented executive, and his extensive knowledge of Orchids and the industry uniquely qualify him to lead the company going forward."