Rayonier Advanced Materials has appointed Scott M Sutton as its new Chief Executive Officer and President. Sutton will also join the company’s Board of Directors.

 

Sutton, former President and CEO of Olin Corporation, brings over 30 years of global leadership experience in the chemicals and materials sectors. At Olin, he led major business platform upgrades, strengthened the company’s finances, and advanced strategic initiatives that enhanced competitiveness and shareholder value.

 

“Scott is a highly respected leader with deep industry expertise and a demonstrated ability to drive performance in complex operating environments,” said Lisa M. Palumbo, Non-Executive Chair of RYAM’s Board. “His strategic mindset, operational rigor, and commitment to safety and sustainability make him the right leader to build on RYAM’s biomaterials strategy.”

 

Sutton said, “I am honored to join RYAM at such an important time for the Company. RYAM has a solid foundation, a talented team, and a portfolio of products that play an essential role in global markets. I look forward to working closely with the Board and the entire organization to accelerate performance, strengthen partnerships, and unlock the Company’s full potential.”

 

Sutton succeeds DeLyle W. Bloomquist, who announced his planned retirement last year. Bloomquist will serve as an advisor to support leadership continuity and ongoing strategic initiatives.

 

“On behalf of the Board, I want to thank DeLyle for his leadership and substantial contributions to RYAM,” added Palumbo. “We greatly appreciate his dedicated service to the Company and its stakeholders and appreciate his continued support during this transition.”

 

In connection with his appointment, RYAM will grant Sutton a performance share unit (“PSU”) award as an inducement to join the company. 

 

The award has a three-year performance period and a one-year post-vesting holding requirement, with a target opportunity of 750,000 PSUs. Vesting will be based on RYAM’s stock performance, with thresholds set between $15 and $45, and calculated on a straight-line basis.