Thilmany, LLC names chief operations manager and vice president of human resources

Thilmany, LLC has announced the addition of two executives to the company’s senior leadership team.

Mary Hayes has joined Thilmany as chief operations officer effective October 3, while Paul Christensen has accepted the position of vice president, human resources effective October 10.

‘The arrival of Mary and Paul marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Thilmany, LLC as a stand-alone company,’ said John Zuleger, president and chief executive officer. ‘Their experience with other reputable manufacturing companies will be instrumental as we position Thilmany to execute our growth strategy and improve in the areas where we have the greatest potential.’

As chief operations officer, Hayes assumes overall responsibility of Thilmany, LLC’s manufacturing, purchasing and supply chain operations with a specific focus on operations performance improvement, cost reduction and quality and safety improvement.

Her background includes a wealth of experience in paper and converting manufacturing, including expertise in the Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing and OSHA VPP programs and processes. She spent more than 20 years with Appleton Papers, Inc. (now under the trade name Appleton), holding various progressive leadership positions, including plant manager. Since 2001, she has been employed by John Deere, headquartered in Moline, Illinois, serving in the agriculture division as director of Total Quality, followed by director of marketing for North American, Asia and Australia.

Hayes earned her Masters of Business Administration from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, and her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

As vice president, Human Resources, Christensen will maintain overall responsibility for Thilmany, LLC’s HR organization, including management of the compensation and benefits program, labor relations, recruiting, organizational development, and overall delivery of HR services. His background includes more than 20 years experience in leading HR efforts in a manufacturing setting, with demonstrated expertise in strategy and administration, labor relations, organizational design and talent and succession management. He has served as the vice president of Human Resources for Oshkosh B’Gosh since 2001, with oversight of HR administration for 200 corporate and retail sites. He previously held senior HR positions with Broan NuTone, LLC in Hartford, Wisconsin (WI); AR Accessories Group, Inc, formerly Amity Leather Products based in West Bend, WI; and Regal Ware, Inc. in Kewaskum, WI.

Christensen earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Executive Program and his Bachelor of Science from Carroll College in Waukesha, WI.

Hayes and Christensen will both be based out of Thilmany, LLCs company headquarters in Kaukauna, WI with their responsibilities spanning across all domestic and international plants.

Thilmany, LLC manufactures and converts lightweight packaging, pressure sensitive and industrial papers such as laminations, grease resistant packaging, interleaving applications, and pressure sensitive and medical products. Thilmany Papers manufacturing operations are located in Kaukauna and De Pere, WI, while converting operations are based within Thilmany Packaging at the Kaukauna Mill and through the Akrosil release products division with facilities in Menasha, WI; Lancaster, OH; and Heerlen, The Netherlands.