Wade Kemnitz Joined Sellars as President and COO
The Milwaukee-based manufacturer has appointed a new leader as part of a planned executive succession process.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
Wade Kemnitz has joined Sellars Absorbent Materials as President and COO. He steps into the role as current COO Julie Graverson prepares to retire.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a significant leadership transition for the Milwaukee company, which has been in business for over four decades. Kemnitz brings extensive experience in paper manufacturing and management to guide the firm's future operations.
Sellars has operated for over 40 years since its founding in 1985. The outgoing COO, Julie Graverson, concludes a tenure of 10 years at the company.
The players
Wade Kemnitz
He is the newly appointed President and COO of Sellars Absorbent Materials who previously led BiOrigin Specialty Products.
Julie Graverson
She is the current COO of Sellars who is retiring after 10 years of service to the company.
Sellars Absorbent Materials
This Milwaukee-based company specializes in manufacturing absorbent materials and has been in business since 1985.
The details
Kemnitz joins the Milwaukee-based manufacturer following a leadership career that included serving as President and CEO of BiOrigin Specialty Products. He also held various management positions at companies including Kimberly-Clark and Clearwater Paper, where he gained expertise in DRC technology.
Timeline
Sellars was founded in 1985.
Julie Graverson is scheduled to retire from the company at the end of October 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition reflects a broader shift toward planned executive succession within the regional manufacturing sector. By recruiting an industry veteran, Sellars aims to maintain its competitive stance against other large-scale paper and material producers.
Customers of Sellars should expect continuity in product availability and service standards during this planned management change. No immediate shifts in retail pricing or subscription agreements have been announced as part of the leadership transition.
The takeaway
Planned executive successions allow companies to preserve institutional knowledge while introducing fresh leadership perspectives. Stakeholders should monitor upcoming corporate announcements for updates on the firm's long-term operational strategy.
What happens next
Julie Graverson is scheduled to officially retire from her role as COO at the end of October 2026.
Further reading
For more information on executive moves in the region, visit the People section.
