Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM) has appointed Daniel M. Krawczyk as Chief Executive Officer and President, effective immediately. Krawczyk will also join the company’s Board of Directors.

The leadership appointment comes as RYAM continues evaluating strategic alternatives aimed at maximizing shareholder value with the support of Morgan Stanley.

Experienced Industrial Executive Takes Leadership Role

Krawczyk joins RYAM after serving as President of Huber Engineered Materials, where he led a global industrial and specialty chemicals portfolio generating approximately $1.3 billion in revenue.

During his tenure, he oversaw more than $2 billion in mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures while driving operational transformation and long-term business growth.

His previous experience includes senior leadership roles in:

• Corporate strategy
• Business development
• Finance
• Capital markets
• Operational transformation

Krawczyk holds an MBA as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan.

Strategic Alternatives Review Remains Active

According to the company, the Board continues to evaluate a broad range of strategic options designed to enhance shareholder value.

The review process remains ongoing, and RYAM emphasized that the CEO appointment should not be interpreted as signaling any specific outcome regarding the strategic review.

Management stated that the process is being conducted with urgency and discipline while maintaining focus on operational performance.

Focus on Cash Flow and Profitability

In his first statement as CEO, Krawczyk highlighted several business priorities, including:

• Generating positive free cash flow
• Strengthening leadership in cellulose specialties
• Improving EBITDA performance
• Supporting customer relationships
• Maintaining safe and efficient operations

The company also confirmed that the interim Office of the CEO, established prior to the appointment, has been dissolved, with its members returning to their existing executive roles.

Global Leader in High-Purity Cellulose

RYAM is one of the world’s leading producers of high-purity cellulose used in a variety of industries, including:

• Food ingredients
• Pharmaceuticals
• Filtration products
• High-performance plastics
• Industrial applications
• Specialty chemicals

The company also manufactures cellulose viscose pulp, fluff pulp, paperboard, biofuels, bioelectricity, and lignin-based products.

With operations in the United States, Canada, and France, RYAM generated approximately $1.5 billion in revenue during 2025.

Industry Outlook

The appointment reflects a broader trend across the forest products and specialty materials sectors, where companies are increasingly balancing operational performance improvements with strategic portfolio reviews.

As demand grows for sustainable, bio-based materials, cellulose specialty producers continue seeking opportunities to enhance profitability, optimize assets, and strengthen their position in higher-value markets.

Source: Rayonier Advanced Materials (RYAM)

Last Updated on 23/06/2026 by Jota Machinery