Julie Graverson to Retire from Sellars in October
The Milwaukee-based company will see Wade Kemnitz step into the role of president and chief operations officer.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in People
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Julie Graverson will conclude her ten-year tenure as chief operations officer at Sellars Absorbent Materials on October 31, 2026. Wade Kemnitz joined the firm in early October 2026 to facilitate a planned succession for the role.
Why it matters
The transition marks a significant leadership shift for the Milwaukee manufacturer, which has been in operation since 1985. Graverson steps down after a decade of service, during which she held multiple executive positions overseeing operations and the supply chain.
Julie Graverson brought 40 years of paper industry experience to her work at the company founded in 1985. Her decade-long tenure at Sellars included roles as vice president of supply chain and vice president of operations.
The players
Julie Graverson
She is the outgoing chief operations officer at Sellars Absorbent Materials who joined the firm in 2016.
Wade Kemnitz
He is the new president and chief operations officer at Sellars who previously served as president and CEO of BiOrigin Specialty Products.
Sellars Absorbent Materials
Founded in 1985, this Milwaukee-based company specializes in the manufacturing of absorbent products.
The details
Wade Kemnitz, the former president and CEO of BiOrigin Specialty Products, assumes the dual title of president and chief operations officer. The change in command follows a deliberate, planned succession process to ensure continuity at the Milwaukee headquarters.
Timeline
2016: Julie Graverson joined Sellars.
Early October 2026: Wade Kemnitz joined Sellars as president and COO.
October 31, 2026: Julie Graverson retirement effective date.
Market Landscape
This transition follows the long-term operational framework established since the 1985 founding of Sellars Absorbent Materials. The move signals a continuity strategy, positioning the company to maintain its market footprint under new executive leadership.
The transition is a planned succession, meaning customers and business partners should not expect immediate changes to product availability or service protocols. Operations at the Milwaukee facility are slated to continue under the guidance of the new president.
The takeaway
Planned leadership successions are essential for maintaining stability in long-standing manufacturing firms. Implementing a transition window allows outgoing executives to effectively transfer institutional knowledge to their successors.
Further reading
For more updates on executive changes in the area, visit the Milwaukee People section.
More information
For official company updates and corporate news, visit the Sellars official company website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by ISSA | The Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association.
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