# Arsen Kitch

> Arsen S. Kitch is the Spokane-based president, CEO and a director of Clearwater Paper. He joined in 2013, led its consumer products division, and became CEO in April 2020. His tenure includes the 2024 Augusta paperboard acquisition and sale of the tissue business, followed by a focus on packaging materials and independent North American converters.

- **Role:** President, Chief Executive Officer and Director at Clearwater Paper Corporation
- **Organizations:** Clearwater Paper Corporation, Sustainable Forestry Initiative, American Forest & Paper Association, Nestlé USA (former), KKR Capstone (former), Frito-Lay (former)
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in business administration, University of California, Berkeley, Master of Business Administration, Stanford Graduate School of Business
- **Known for:** Led Clearwater through the 2024 acquisition of Augusta and divestiture of tissue to concentrate on paperboard packaging., Oversaw an expanded packaging portfolio including the 2026 Circa recycled board collaboration., Elected CEO after serving in finance, strategy and divisional operations roles.

## Career timeline

- **Before 2013** — Held positions at Frito-Lay, KKR Capstone and Nestlé USA; served as finance director at Nestlé USA.
- **2013** — Joined Clearwater Paper as senior director of strategy and planning; later held vice president roles in financial planning and analysis and finance.
- **2018** — Became general manager of the consumer products division, subsequently senior vice president.
- **2020-04** — Succeeded Linda Massman as president and CEO and joined Clearwater Paper’s board.
- **2024-05** — Clearwater completed its purchase of the Augusta paperboard operation.
- **2024-11** — Clearwater completed the sale of its tissue business to Sofidel America.
- **2026** — Named first vice chair of the American Forest & Paper Association; also serves on the SFI board.

## Achievements

- Led Clearwater through the 2024 acquisition of Augusta and divestiture of tissue to concentrate on paperboard packaging.
- Oversaw an expanded packaging portfolio including the 2026 Circa recycled board collaboration.
- Elected CEO after serving in finance, strategy and divisional operations roles.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — The company scheduled its third-quarter earnings call for October 26, 2026; the event was still upcoming on this profile’s research date.
- **2026-09** — Clearwater refinanced with a $275 million term loan and $200 million revolving facility maturing in September 2031.
- **2026-09** — Released a sustainability report covering 2025 progress, including water intake intensity improvement.
- **2026-07** — Reported an 8% increase in second-quarter paperboard volumes, lower pricing and a $21 million loss from continuing operations.
- **2026-07** — Introduced Circa recycled paperboard with Greenpaper.

## Links

- Website: https://www.clearwaterpaper.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arsenkitch

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/arsen-kitch
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22