Speciality paper manufacturer Schweitzer-Mauduit Internationaltoday announced several management changes effective 1 August 2006.

As part of a planned management succession process and in anticipation of future retirements, Paul C. Roberts, age 57, current chief financial officer and treasurer (CFO), will be assuming the newly created position of vice president strategic planning and implementation, reporting to Wayne H. Deitrich, chairman and chief executive fficer. In this new role, Roberts will be responsible for corporate projects including potential investment opportunities and strategic initiatives, while continuing to serve as vice- chairman of the board of China Tobacco Mauduit (Jiangmen) Paper Industry Company, Schweitzer-Mauduit's tobacco related papers joint venture in China.
Succeeding Mr. Roberts as CFO will be Peter J. Thompson, president US operations since November 1998. Otto R. Herbst, president, Brazilian operations, will become president, the Americas, with profit responsibility for the Brazilian and US business units, reporting to Frederic P. Villoutreix, chief operating officer (COO). (ci)