01/06/2025
FINCH PAPER ANNOUNCES LEADERSHIP TRANSITION
January 2, 2025
Drew Gardner Named Chief Executive Officer; Debabrata Mukherjee to Continue Service as Chairman of the Board
GLENS FALLS, NY – January 2, 2025 – Finch Paper, a leading, vertically integrated paper manufacturer specializing in high-bright, uncoated papers for North American printing and converting markets, announced today the promotion of Drew Gardner as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2025. Drew succeeds Debabrata Mukherjee, who has led the company since 2013 and will continue his service to Finch Paper as Chairman of the Board.
Drew joined Finch Paper as Vice President, Operations in July 2023 and was named President and CFO in April 2024. Prior to Finch, Drew was a Senior Associate with Atlas Holdings (“Atlas”), which has owned and operated Finch since 2007. Earlier in his career, Drew held positions at Blackstone and General Electric. He earned a dual degree in Energy Engineering and Finance from Penn State University.
“Under Deba’s leadership, Finch continued its legacy as an innovator in the paper industry and a cornerstone of the Glens Falls community. Deba has always understood the critical importance of talent to the success of an organization, and this planned transition underscores that commitment. We are grateful for our continuing partnership with Deba as well as his continued service to Finch Paper,” said Atlas Partner Ed Fletcher.
“Over the past decade, Finch Paper has been strengthened through diversification of its product offerings, including the introduction of “first at Finch” products involving digital, converting, book and packaging grades, the acquisition of French Paper in 2019 and the addition of significant new customers. I have had the pleasure of working with Drew over the past year to ensure that our team, customers and partners would be well served through this transition and beyond, and I look forward to seeing where he will take Finch in this next chapter of this storied business,” said Debabrata Mukherjee.
“During Deba’s tenure with Finch, the company has been transformed from a highly product-concentrated mill into one of the most diversified, flexible and stable paper businesses serving the uncoated freesheet market. Over the past year, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of our Leadership Team and associates, the loyalty of our customers and the opportunities that lie ahead of us. Finch Paper’s legacy is built on exceptional products and the generations of people who have made our story possible. I’m honored to be entrusted with Finch Paper’s tradition as a best-in-class paper supply partner and an economic driver in New York’s capital region,” said Drew Gardner.
