Kadant has announced that Michael C. Colwell will become President and Chief Operating Officer effective October 1, 2026 and then President, Chief Executive Officer and a Director effective January 2, 2027.
Current President and CEO Jeffrey L. Powell will remain CEO through January 2, 2027 and will then become Executive Chairman. Current board Chairman Jonathan W. Painter will step down from the board and his chairman role at that time.
Colwell has served as a Kadant Senior Vice President since December 2024 and oversees the company’s Industrial Processing segment.
His previous responsibilities included Kadant’s wood processing and fiber-based products businesses. He served as President of Kadant Carmanah Design from 2013 to 2019 after previously serving as President and CEO of Carmanah Design and Manufacturing before Kadant acquired the business in 2013.
The succession plan is designed to retain Powell’s services for one year following Colwell’s appointment as CEO. As Executive Chairman, Powell will participate in strategic planning and acquisitions, advise management on operational matters and oversee corporate governance activities.
Powell is expected to retire from his executive position on January 1, 2028 and subsequently continue as a director and non-executive chairman.
Kadant employs approximately 4,000 people across 22 countries and supplies technologies and engineered systems used in industrial processing applications.
KEY QUOTES:
“I am confident the succession plan announced today provides for continuity of leadership and maintains a strong team of leaders who can continue to build on Kadant’s successes. Michael and I have worked closely together the last 13 years, and I believe the board has made an outstanding choice in selecting Michael as our next CEO. I look forward to continuing to work with Michael and the board to support our customers and employees and deliver value for our stockholders.”
Jeffrey L. Powell, Chief Executive Officer of Kadant
“I am honored to be appointed president and chief executive officer of Kadant at such an important time for our Company. Having had the opportunity to work side-by-side with Jeff over many years at Kadant, I have developed a deep appreciation for the unique and leading position Kadant has established around the world. I look forward to building on the momentum Jeff has created while continuing to drive growth and profitability throughout the business to deliver long-term value.”
Michael C. Colwell, Incoming President and Chief Executive Officer of Kadant
