Kadant Announces CEO Succession, Colwell to Take Over in 2027

05:16 PM EDT, 09/10/2026 (MT Newswires) -- Kadant (KAI) said Thursday Michael C. Colwell will be appointed president and chief operating officer effective Oct. 1, and president, CEO and a director effective Jan. 2, 2027, as part of a board-adopted succession plan. Jeffrey L. Powell will continue as president through Sept. 30, and as CEO through Jan. 2, 2027, when he will become executive chairman. Jonathan W. Painter, the company's current board chairman, will step down as director and chairman on Jan. 2, 2027. Colwell has served as senior vice president since December 2024, overseeing Kadant's Industrial Processing segment. He previously led the company's wood processing business and served as president of Kadant Carmanah Design. Powell is expected to remain a non-executive director and board chairman until his retirement on Jan. 1, 2028.