SPOKANE, Wash. (From news reports) -- Arsen S. Kitch will lead paper and tissue manufacturer Clearwater Paper Corp. beginning April 1.

The Spokane-based company announced in a news release Tuesday his selection as CEO by its board of directors. Kitch currently is senior vice president and general manager of the company's consumer products division.

Kitch has served as senior vice president and general manager of the consumer products business since 2018. He was previously vice president of finance and vice president of financial planning and analysis after joining the company in 2013. He's also held positions at Nestlé USA, KKR Capstone and Frito Lay.

He replaces Linda K. Massman, who will retire from Clearwater Paper after serving as its CEO since January 2013, the company said. She has been with the company since its 2008 spinoff from Potlatch Corp., serving as president and chief operating officer from 2011 to 2013 and as chief financial officer from 2008 to 2011.

As part of his new duties, Kitch will join the Clearwater Paper's board of directors.

The company has initiated a search for the next general manager of its consumer products division.

Clearwater Paper has 14 manufacturing locations in the United States.