CENTRAL NATIONAL GOTTESMAN - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Print and Wide Format
- VP of Sales
Damien has spent his entire professional career in the paper industry. Starting in Australia with Consolidated Paper Industries in 1989, Damien has accumulated international experience throughout his 32-year career.
Beginning in sales, Damien eventually moved into a Sales Management role, then in 1997 took on a Regional Management position running Consolidated Paper Industries in New South Wales.
Job Titles:
- President
- President of Kelly Paper
Jan has spent her professional career in the paper industry, and brings broad experience to her role as President of Kelly Spicers.
Starting her career in sales and marketing for Atlanta-based Neenah Paper, Jan led one of the industry's most iconic fine paper product marketing efforts before moving to Kimberly-Clark Professional, where she was Director of Tissue then Director of Global Strategy.
Jan became president of Kelly Paper in 2007, and in 2011 was named as president of Spicers Paper. In 2012, she led the two companies through their acquisition by Central National Gottesman Inc., establishing a strong West Coast presence for CNG.
Under Jan's leadership, Kelly Spicers has become the market leader in paper distribution, and has grown the company's packaging, custom converting and facilities solutions segments with strategic acquisitions and organic growth.
Jan received her BA from Humboldt State University, and has completed management courses at the Kellogg School of Management and the Thunderbird School of Global Management. She serves on the boards of NPTA and PIASC, with a focus on the future and sustainability of the industry.
In 2022, Jan was awarded the industry's highest honor as recipient of the Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award, given since 1984 to an industry leader who has made a positive impact through innovation and dedication, and whose character represents the ideals for which leaders all strive.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Packaging
John has spent his entire professional career in the packaging industry, and fully understands the growing industry and its nuances.
Beginning as a full commission sales rep in 1996, within three years John and his wife, Christi, founded Premiere Packaging Inc. (PPI) out of their garage in Lakewood, CA. The business grew every year for 20 consecutive years, during a time when the packaging industry was expanding across the globe.
In 2019, PPI was acquired by Spicers Paper, and in 2021 John assumed the role of Sr. Vice President, Packaging with the responsibility for everything in relation to packaging within Kelly Spicers, as well as regional responsibility for the Buena Park facility.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President
- Vice President, Finance & Administration
Rick brings a range of experience to his role as Senior Vice President, and has served in a number of roles throughout his career.
Rick began his career in 1983 with Spicers Paper, Australia, where he worked in finance and accounting leading up to his position as Financial Controller. In 1997, he moved into sales and operations as a Regional Manager and later became the General Manager of Spicers Paper New Zealand in 1999 and Edwards Dunlop Paper in Australia in 2000.
In 2002, Rick relocated to the United States to oversee the U.S. expansion of Spicers Paper in his role as Vice President of Midwest Operations, eventually moving to California in 2006 as VP of Purchasing for PaperlinX North America.
In 2012, Rick became Vice President, Finance & Administration, overseeing all finance, treasury, legal, purchasing and administrative functions for Kelly Spicers. And in 2016 he was appointed as Senior Vice President. Rick has a deep knowledge of the paper business and has strong ties to our domestic and offshore suppliers.
Job Titles:
- Vice President in Charge of Sales
- Vice President, Sales and Store Operations
Rod has been in the paper business for more than 40 years, working entirely with Kelly Paper, now Kelly Spicers.
Beginning with the retail store program when it included just eight locations throughout Southern California, Rod grew through the store management program, first as a District Manager then as Store Operations Manager in 1993.
Rod was instrumental in identifying new territories for the retail paper store model expansion, and was also involved in opening dozens of store locations since 1993.
In 2012, Rod moved into a Regional Manager position, working closely with the stores and customers to ensure the Kelly Spicers paper model continues to evolve and align with the ever-changing business environment of our customers.
In 2015 Rod became Vice President in charge of Sales and Store Operations, continuing to work with the Stores Managers and District Managers to ensure highest level of service possible to our customers.