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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.          )

 

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NOTICE OF 2017 ANNUAL MEETING
AND
PROXY STATEMENT

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April 11, 2017

Dear Stockholder:

        On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my pleasure to invite you to attend the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Neenah Paper, Inc. to be held at the Company's headquarters located at Preston Ridge III, 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern Time.

        In 2016, we continued in our evolution to become a premier specialty materials company and delivered record sales, earnings and operating cash flows, along with attractive returns for our stockholders. In addition, we completed two important strategic initiatives that provide us with a growth platform for years to come. First, we concluded an organic capital investment expanding our transportation filtration manufacturing base outside of Europe, further solidifying our position with customers as a premium global transportation filtration player. Second, we finished our integration of FiberMark, which broadened our product portfolio, adding coating and finishing capabilities in both Technical Products and Fine Paper & Packaging and almost doubling the size of our premium packaging business. Guiding all of our activities is an ongoing commitment to deploy capital efficiently, maintaining an attractive Return on Invested Capital and a meaningful return of cash to shareholders. In 2016, we returned $39 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases, up from $29 million in 2015, and announced for 2017 our seventh consecutive double-digit dividend increase over the past five years.

        We are proud of our results and of the contributions of Neenah's dedicated employees around the world that helped to create this value and appreciate the confidence and ongoing support of our stockholders.

        The formal business to be transacted at the 2017 Annual Meeting includes:

•

The election of the three nominees detailed in this Proxy Statement as Class I directors for a three-year term;



•

Approval of an advisory vote on the Company's executive compensation;



•

Approval of an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on the Company's executive compensation; and



•

The ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company's independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017.

        At the meeting, we will provide a brief report on our results and strategies. Our directors and executive officers, as well as representatives from Deloitte & Touche LLP, will be in attendance to answer any questions you may have.

        Regardless of whether you choose to attend or not, please either vote electronically using the Internet, vote by telephone, or follow the procedures for requesting written copies of the proxy materials described in the attached Proxy Statement and mark, date, sign and return the proxy card included with those materials at your earliest convenience. This will assure your shares will be represented and voted at the Annual Meeting.

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Neenah Paper, Inc.

Preston Ridge III
3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600
Alpharetta, Georgia 30005

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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD MAY 23, 2017

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        NOTICE HEREBY IS GIVEN that the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Neenah Paper, Inc. will be held at the Company's headquarters located at Preston Ridge III, 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 on Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 10:00 a.m., Eastern time, for the purpose of considering and voting upon:

1.

A proposal to elect the three nominees named as Class I directors in the attached Proxy Statement to serve until the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders;



2.

A proposal to approve, on an advisory basis, the Company's executive compensation;



3.

A proposal to approve an advisory vote on the frequency of future advisory votes on the Company's executive compensation;



4.

A proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as the independent registered public accounting firm of Neenah Paper, Inc. for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017; and



5.

Such other business as properly may come before the Annual Meeting or any adjournments thereof. The Board of Directors is not aware of any other business to be presented to a vote of the stockholders at the Annual Meeting.

        Information relating to the above matters is set forth in the attached Proxy Statement. Stockholders of record at the close of business on March 31, 2017 are entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting and any adjournments thereof.

        The Proxy Statement and the 2016 Annual Report to Stockholders are available at www.neenah.com/proxydocs.

Alpharetta, Georgia
April 11, 2017

        PLEASE READ THE ATTACHED PROXY STATEMENT AND THEN VOTE ELECTRONICALLY, BY TELEPHONE, OR REQUEST PRINTED PROXY MATERIALS AND PROMPTLY COMPLETE, EXECUTE AND RETURN THE PROXY CARD INCLUDED WITH THE PROXY MATERIALS IN THE ACCOMPANYING POSTAGE-PAID ENVELOPE.

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PROXY STATEMENT

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General Information

        Our Board of Directors is soliciting proxies from our stockholders in connection with Neenah's Annual Meeting of Stockholders. When used in this Proxy Statement, the terms "we," "us," "our," "the Company" and "Neenah" refer to Neenah Paper, Inc. This Proxy Statement and our 2016 Annual Report are first being mailed to stockholders who requested copies, and made available on April 11, 2017.

SUMMARY

        This summary highlights information contained in the Proxy Statement. It does not include all of the information that you should consider prior to voting and we encourage you to read the entire document prior to voting. For more complete information regarding Neenah's 2016 financial performance, please review the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

        Stockholders are being asked to vote on the following matters at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders:

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Questions and Answers about the Annual Meeting and Voting

When and where is the Annual Meeting?

Who is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting?

        You are entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting if you owned our common stock, par value $0.01 per share, as of the close of business March 31, 2017 (the "Record Date"), with each share entitling its owner to one vote on each matter submitted to the stockholders. On the record date, 16,787,202 shares of common stock were outstanding and eligible to be voted at the Annual Meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of our common stock is necessary to constitute a quorum at the Annual Meeting.

How do I vote at the Annual Meeting?

        You may vote in person at the Annual Meeting or by proxy. We recommend you vote by proxy even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting. You can always change your vote at the meeting. Giving us your proxy means you authorize us to vote your shares at the Annual Meeting in the manner you direct. If you plan to attend the meeting in person you must provide proof of your ownership of our common stock as of the record date, such as an account statement, and a form of personal identification for admission to the meeting. If you hold your shares in street name and you also wish to be able to vote at the annual meeting, you are required to obtain a proxy from your bank or broker, executed in your favor.

        If your shares are held in your name, you can vote by proxy in three convenient ways:

•

Via the Internet:  Go to http://www.proxyvote.com and follow the instructions.



•

By Telephone:  Call toll-free 1-800-690-6903 and follow the instructions.



•

By Mail:  Request a printed copy of the proxy materials disclosed in this Proxy Statement and complete, sign, date and return your proxy card in the envelope included with your printed proxy materials.

        If your shares are held in street name, the availability of telephone and internet voting will depend on the voting processes of the applicable bank or brokerage firm; therefore, it is recommended that you follow the voting instructions on the form you receive from your bank or brokerage firm. All properly executed proxies received by Neenah in time to be voted at the Annual Meeting and not revoked will be voted at the Annual Meeting in accordance with the directions noted on the proxy card. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, the persons named as proxies will vote upon such matters according to their judgment.

        We are also sending the Notice and voting materials to participants in various employee benefit plans of Neenah. The trustee of each plan, as the stockholder of record of the shares of common stock held in the plan, will vote whole shares of stock attributable to each participant's interest in the plan in accordance with the directions the participant gives or, if no directions are given by the participant, in accordance with the directions received from the applicable plan committees.

Can I change my vote?

        Any stockholder of record delivering a proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is voted: (i) by giving written notice to Steven S. Heinrichs, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and

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Secretary of Neenah, at Preston Ridge III, 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia, 30005; (ii) by submitting a proxy card bearing a later date, including a proxy submitted via the Internet or by telephone; or (iii) by voting in person at the Annual Meeting. Please note, however, that any beneficial owner of our common stock whose shares are held in street name may (a) revoke his or her proxy and (b) attend and vote his or her shares in person at the Annual Meeting only in accordance with applicable rules and procedures as then may be employed by such beneficial owner's brokerage firm or bank.

What Proposals am I being asked to vote on at the Annual Meeting and what is required to approve each proposal?

        You are being asked to vote on four proposals: Proposal 1 the election of the proposed nominees as Class I directors; Proposal 2 the approval, in a non-binding advisory vote, of Neenah's executive compensation; Proposal 3 the approval, in a non-binding advisory vote, on the frequency of future advisory votes on the Company's executive compensation; and Proposal 4 the ratification of the appointment of our independent public accounting firm.

        In voting with regard to Proposal 1, you may vote in favor of each nominees, against each nominee, or may abstain from voting. A majority of the shares of common stock represented and entitled to vote on Proposal 1 is required for the election of each director, provided a quorum is present. Abstentions will be considered in determining the number of votes required to obtain the necessary majority vote for the proposal, and therefore will have the same legal effect as votes against the proposal.

        In voting with regard to Proposal 2, you may vote in favor of the proposal, against the proposal, or may abstain from voting. The vote required to approve Proposal 2 is majority of the shares of common stock represented and entitled to vote on Proposal 2, provided a quorum is present. Abstentions will be considered in determining the number of votes required to obtain the necessary majority vote for the proposal, and therefore will have the same legal effect as votes against the proposal.

        In voting with regard to Proposal 3, stockholders may vote for a frequency of one, two or three years. The frequency (every one, two or three years) receiving the greatest number of votes of the shares represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, provided a quorum is present, will be considered the frequency preferred by stockholders. As a result, abstentions will therefore have no effect on such vote.

        In voting with regard to Proposal 4, you may vote in favor of the proposal, against the proposal, or may abstain from voting. The vote required to approve Proposal 4 is a majority of the shares of common stock represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, provided a quorum is present. Abstentions will be considered in determining the number of votes required to obtain the necessary majority vote for the proposal, and therefore will have the same legal effect as votes against the proposal.

        Neenah is not aware, as of the date hereof, of any matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting other than those stated in this Proxy Statement. If any other matters are properly brought before the Annual Meeting, your proxy gives discretionary authority to the persons named as proxies to vote the shares represented thereby in their discretion.

What happens if I don't return my proxy card or vote my shares?

        If you hold your shares directly your shares will not be voted if you do not return your proxy card or vote in person at the Annual Meeting. If your shares are held in the name of a bank or brokerage firm (in "street name") and you do not vote your shares, your bank or brokerage firm can only vote your shares in their discretion for proposals which are considered "discretionary" proposals. We believe

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that Proposal 4 is a discretionary proposal. Brokers are prohibited from exercising discretionary authority for beneficial owners who have not provided voting instructions to the broker for proposals which are considered "non-discretionary" (a "broker non-vote"). We believe Proposals 1, 2 and 3 are non-discretionary proposals. As such, broker non-votes will be counted for the purpose of determining if a quorum is present, but will not be considered as shares entitled to vote on Proposals 1, 2 and 3, and therefore will have no effect on the outcome of these proposals.

What happens if I sign, date and return my proxy card but do not specify how to vote my shares?

        If a signed proxy card is received which does not specify a vote or an abstention, then the shares represented by that proxy card will be voted FOR the election of all Class I director nominees described herein, FOR the approval of the Company's executive compensation, FOR annual non-binding approvals of executive compensation, and FOR the ratification of the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm for the year ending December 31, 2017.

Why haven't I received a printed copy of the Proxy Statement or annual report?

        We are choosing to follow the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules that allow companies to furnish proxy materials to stockholders via the Internet. If you received a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials, or "Notice," by mail, you will not receive a printed copy of the proxy materials, unless you specifically request one. The Notice instructs you on how to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy statement and annual report as well as how to submit your proxy over the Internet. If you received the Notice and would still like to receive a printed copy of our proxy materials, you should follow the instructions for requesting these materials included in the Notice. We plan to mail the Notice to stockholders by April 11, 2017.

Who pays for the cost of this proxy solicitation?

        We will bear the cost of preparing, printing and filing the Proxy Statement and related proxy materials. In addition to soliciting proxies through the mail, we may solicit proxies through our directors, officers and employees, in person and by telephone or email and facsimile. We expect to retain Okapi Partners LLC to aid in the solicitation at a cost of approximately $8,500, plus reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. Brokerage firms, nominees, custodians and fiduciaries also may be requested to forward proxy materials to the beneficial owners of shares held of record by them. We will pay all expenses incurred in connection with the solicitation of proxies.

When will voting results be made available?

        We will announce the final results on our web site at www.neenah.com shortly after the meeting and on Form 8-K immediately following the meeting.

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BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP

DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

        The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 31, 2017 with respect to: (i) each of our directors; (ii) each of the named executive officers appearing elsewhere herein; and (iii) all executive officers and directors as a group, based in each case on information furnished to us by such persons. As used in this Proxy Statement, "beneficial ownership" means that a person has, as of March 31, 2017, or may have within 60 days thereafter, the sole or shared power to vote or direct the voting of a security and/or the sole or shared investment power to dispose of or direct the disposition of a security.

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THIRD PARTIES

        The following table sets forth information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of December 31, 2016 for each person known to us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding common stock.

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ELECTION OF DIRECTORS (ITEM 1)

        The Board unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote "FOR" the proposal to elect John P. O'Donnell, William M. Cook, and Philip C. Moore as Class I directors for a three-year term expiring at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors have been duly elected and qualified.

        The Board currently consists of eight members divided into two classes of three directors and one class of two directors. The directors in each class serve three year terms, with the terms of the Class I directors expiring at the 2017 Annual Meeting. The Board has nominated John P. O'Donnell, William M. Cook, and Philip C. Moore, each a current director of Neenah, for re-election as Class I directors at the 2017 Annual Meeting. If elected, the nominees will serve a three-year term expiring at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified.

        Each of the nominees has consented to serve another term as a director if re-elected. If any of the nominees should be unavailable to serve for any reason (which is not anticipated), the Board may designate a substitute nominee or nominees (in which event the persons named on the enclosed proxy card will vote the shares represented by all valid proxy cards for the election of such substitute nominee or nominees), allow the vacancies to remain open until a suitable candidate or candidates are located, or by resolution provide for a lesser number of directors.

        If any incumbent nominee for director in an uncontested election should fail to receive the required affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, under Delaware law the director remains in office as a "holdover" director until his or her successor is elected and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation, retirement, disqualification, removal from office or death. In the event of a holdover director, the Board of Directors in its discretion may request the director to resign from the Board. If the director resigns, the Board of Directors may immediately fill the resulting vacancy, allow the vacancy to remain open until a suitable candidate is located and appointed or adopt a resolution to decrease the authorized number of directors.

        Set forth below is certain information as of March 31, 2017, regarding the nominees and each director continuing in office, including their ages, principal occupations (which have continued for at least the past five years unless otherwise noted), current Board experience and participation, and how the background, experience and qualification of each nominee and director make them well suited to serve on Neenah's Board.

Information Regarding Directors Nominated for Reelection

        John P. O'Donnell, born in 1960, is President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. Prior to being CEO, Mr. O'Donnell served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company and President, Fine Paper. Mr. O'Donnell was employed by Georgia Pacific Corporation from 1985 until 2007 and held increasingly senior management positions in the Consumer Products division. Mr. O'Donnell served as President of the North American Retail Business from 2004 through 2007, and as President of the North American Commercial Tissue business from 2002 through 2004. Mr. O'Donnell received his BS from Iowa State University. Mr. O'Donnell has served as a director of Neenah since November 2010. Mr. O'Donnell has also served as a Director for Clearwater Paper since April 2016. Mr. O'Donnell's extensive experience in the paper and consumer products industries, and his leadership positions in the Company, makes him an effective member of Neenah's Board.

        William M. Cook, born 1953, is the retired Executive Chairman (2015-2016) of Donaldson Company Inc., a technology-driven global company that manufacturers filtration systems to remove contaminants from air and liquids. Mr. Cook is also the former Chairman, President and Chief

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Executive Officer (2004-2015) of Donaldson. Prior to that, Mr. Cook held various roles at Donaldson of increasing responsibility, including service as Senior Vice President, International (2000-2004); Chief Financial Officer (2001-2004); and Senior Vice President, Commercial and Industrial (1994-2000). Mr. Cook has served as a director of Neenah since July 21, 2016. Mr. Cook brings to the Neenah Board his filtration industry and operations experience and financial expertise for the past 35 years at Donaldson where he held a wide range of financial and business positions with global responsibilities. Mr. Cook is an experienced public company Board member having served on the Donaldson Board from 2004-2016 and as an independent public company Director for IDEX since 2008 and Valspar since 2010. Mr. Cook also has valuable Board experience from his past service to various private and charitable organizations. Mr. Cook holds a B.S. degree in Business Management and an M.B.A. degree from Virginia Tech.

        Philip C. Moore, born in 1953, retired as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of TD Bank Group, Toronto, Canada on December 31, 2016. Mr. Moore joined TD Bank Group in May 2013, prior to which he had been a partner at McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Canada's national law firm where he practiced corporate and securities law in Toronto and Sydney, Australia, with particular emphasis on corporate governance and finance, mergers and acquisitions and other business law issues. He has been involved in many corporate mergers, acquisitions, dispositions and reorganizations, as well as capital markets transactions in a variety of industries and geographies. Mr. Moore has extensive experience in corporate transactions involving the pulp and paper industries. Mr. Moore has been awarded the designation "Chartered Director" from the Directors College, Canada's leading director education program run by McMaster University and the Conference Board of Canada. He has advised on the design and implementation of numerous executive compensation plans, as well as on executive compensation governance matters. From 1994 until 2000, he was a director of Imax Corporation and is currently a director of a number of private corporations. Mr. Moore has served as a director of Neenah since November 30, 2004. Mr. Moore received his BA from McMaster University and his LLB from Queen's University. Mr. Moore's educational background and extensive experience in corporate governance and business law makes him an effective member of Neenah's Board.

Class II Directors—Term Expiring at the 2018 Annual Meeting

        Margaret S. Dano, born in 1959, is Chairman of the Board for Superior Industries International, Inc., a leading manufacturer of aluminum road wheels for use in the automobile and light truck industry. Ms. Dano was appointed as Chairman of the Board in 2014 and has served as a director for Superior since 2007. In addition, Ms. Dano currently serves as a director of Douglas Dynamics, Inc., a manufacturer of snow and ice control equipment for the global light truck market, a position she has held since 2012. From 2002 to 2005, Ms. Dano served as Vice President, Worldwide Integrated Supply Chain and Operations for Honeywell Corporation. Prior to that she served as Vice President, Worldwide Supply Chain Office Products & GM Printer Papers for Avery Dennison Corporation from 1999 to 2002 and Vice President of Corporate Manufacturing & Engineering from 1996-1999. Ms. Dano has served as a director of Neenah since March 24, 2015. Ms. Dano received a BS in mechanical engineering from Kettering University (formerly the General Motors Institute). Ms. Dano's senior executive experience in global manufacturing and supply chain and her public board experience and leadership with manufacturing companies makes her an effective member of Neenah's Board.

        Stephen M. Wood, Ph.D., born in 1946, is an Operating Partner with Snow Phipps Group LLC, an internationally diversified investment company. Prior to this, he served as Chairman of the Board for FiberVisions Corporation, which is a leading global manufacturer of synthetic fibers for consumer products, construction and industrial applications. Dr. Wood was President and Chief Executive Officer of FiberVisions from 2006 to 2012. Dr. Wood was also Chairman of the Board of ESFV which is a

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global joint Venture with JNC Corporation, a leading Japanese chemical company. From 2001 to 2004, Dr. Wood served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Kraton Polymers, a specialties chemical company, and Chairman and Representative Director of JSR Kraton Elastomers, a Japanese joint venture company. Prior to this, Dr. Wood was President of the Global Elastomers business of Shell Chemicals, Ltd., and a Vice President of that company. Dr. Wood was also elected International President of the International Institute of Synthetic Rubber Producers. Dr. Wood has a BSc in Chemistry and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Nottingham University, United Kingdom and is a graduate of the Institute of Chemical Engineers. Dr. Wood has served as a director of Neenah since November 30, 2004. Dr. Wood's educational background and his experience as a senior executive of a chemical manufacturing company provides the knowledge base and experience to make him an effective member of Neenah's Board.

Class III Directors—Term Expiring at the 2019 Annual Meeting

        Sean T. Erwin, born in 1951, is the Chairman of our Board of Directors. Mr. Erwin served as the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer from 2004 through May 2011. Prior to the spin-off of Neenah from Kimberly Clark Corporation on November 30, 2004 (the "spin-off"), Mr. Erwin had been an employee of Kimberly Clark since 1978, and had held increasingly senior positions in both finance and business management. In January 2004, Mr. Erwin was named President of Kimberly Clark's Pulp and Paper Sector, which comprised the businesses transferred to us by Kimberly Clark in the spin-off. He served as the President of the Global Nonwoven business from early 2001. He has also served as the President of the European Consumer Tissue business, Managing Director of Kimberly Clark Australia, as well as previously serving as President of the Pulp and Paper Sector, and President of the Technical Paper business. Mr. Erwin received his BS in Accounting and Finance from Northern Illinois University. Mr. Erwin served as a director of Carmike Cinemas, Inc. from 2012-2016. Mr. Erwin has served as a director of Neenah since November 30, 2004. Mr. Erwin's extensive experience as former CEO of the Company and his vast industry experience and leadership positions make him an effective member of Neenah's Board.

        John F. McGovern, born in 1946, is the founder, and since 1999 a partner, of Aurora Capital LLC, a private investment and consulting firm based in Atlanta, Georgia. Prior to founding Aurora Capital, Mr. McGovern served in a number of positions of increasing responsibility at Georgia Pacific Corporation from 1981 to 1999, including Executive Vice President/Chief Financial Officer from 1994 to 1999. Previously, Mr. McGovern had been Vice President and Director, Forest Products and Package Division of Chase Manhattan Bank. He currently serves as a director of Xerium Technologies, Inc. where he serves as audit committee chairman. Mr. McGovern also served as a director of GenTek, Inc. from 2003 to 2009, Maxim Crane Works Holdings, Inc. from 2005 to 2008, and Collective Brands Inc. from 2003 to 2012. From 2006 to 2010, Mr. McGovern served as lead director of Neenah's Board for all executive sessions of non-management directors. Mr. McGovern has served as a director of Neenah since January 10, 2006. Mr. McGovern received his BS from Fordham University. Mr. McGovern's extensive experience as the senior financial executive of a multinational paper products company and his experience as an executive in the financial services industry as well as his experience on other public company boards make him an effective member of Neenah's Board.

        Timothy S. Lucas, born in 1946, has served as an independent consultant on financial reporting issues practicing as Lucas Financial Reporting since 2002. From 1988 to 2002, Mr. Lucas worked at the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), where he was the Director of Research and Technical Activities, and Chairman of the FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force. Mr. Lucas has served as a director of Neenah since November 30, 2004. Mr. Lucas received his BA in Economics and BS in Accounting from Rice University and his Master of Accounting from the Jesse H. Jones Graduate School, Rice University. Mr. Lucas' experience at FASB and his educational background make him an effective member of Neenah's Board.

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MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

        The Board of Directors conducts its business through meetings of the full Board and through committees of the Board, consisting of an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, which we refer to as the Nominating Committee. The Board of Directors held four meetings in 2016. The Company's Corporate Governance Policies provide that all directors are expected to regularly attend and participate in Board and Committee meetings and encourage the directors to attend the Company's Annual Meeting. In 2016 all of our directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and meetings of the committees of which he or she is a member. Neenah holds regularly scheduled executive sessions of the independent directors at each Board meeting. As Chairman of the Board Mr. Erwin presides at all the executive sessions other than meetings of the non-affiliated independent directors, at which Mr. McGovern presides. All of the Company's directors were in attendance at the 2016 Annual Meeting.

        The following table describes the membership of each of the committees as of the 2017 Annual Meeting:

Audit Committee

        The Audit Committee is comprised solely of directors who meet the independence requirements of the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), and are financially literate, as required by NYSE rules. At least one member of the Audit Committee is an audit committee financial expert, as defined by the rules and regulations of SEC. The Audit Committee has been established in accordance with applicable rules promulgated by the NYSE and SEC. The Audit Committee assists the Board in monitoring:

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the quality and integrity of our financial statements;



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our compliance with ethical policies contained in our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and legal and regulatory requirements as well as the administration of our policy regarding related party transactions;



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the independence, qualification and performance of our registered public accounting firm;



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the performance of our internal auditors; and



•

related party transactions.

        The Audit Committee is governed by the Audit Committee Charter approved by the Board. The charter is available on our website at www.neenah.com.

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Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

        The Nominating Committee is comprised solely of directors who meet the NYSE independence requirements. The Nominating Committee:

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oversees the process by which individuals are nominated to our Board;



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reviews the qualifications, performance and independence of members of our Board;



•

reviews and recommends policies with respect to composition, organization, processes and practices of our Board, including diversity; and



•

identifies and investigates emerging corporate governance issues and trends that may affect us.

        The Nominating Committee is governed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter approved by the Board. The charter is available on our website at www.neenah.com.

Compensation Committee

        The Compensation Committee is comprised solely of directors who meet NYSE independence requirements, meet the requirements for a "nonemployee director" under the Exchange Act, and meet the requirements for an "outside director" under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Compensation Committee:

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reviews and approves corporate goals and objectives relevant to the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer and sets such compensation;



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approves, in consultation with our Chief Executive Officer, the compensation of our officers who are elected by our Board;



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makes recommendations to our Board with respect to our equity-based plans and executive incentive compensation plans; and



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reviews with management and approves awards under our long-term incentive-compensation plans and equity-based plans.

        The Compensation Committee is governed by the Compensation Committee Charter approved by the Board. The charter is available on our website at www.neenah.com.

        Additional information regarding the Compensation Committee's processes and procedures for consideration of executive compensation is provided in the Compensation Discussion and Analysis below.

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CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Board Leadership

        The Board selects from among its members the Chairman of the Board. The Board also elects the Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The current Board Leadership is as Follows:

        The Board believes that at this time it is appropriate for Mr. Erwin to serve as independent Chairman while Mr. O'Donnell serves as Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board. Mr. O'Donnell's position as both CEO and a Director provides a continuity of leadership between the senior executive team and the Board and enhances the corporate governance environment of the Board.

Independent Directors

        Our Amended and Restated Bylaws provide that a majority of the directors on our Board shall be independent and currently seven out of the eight directors are independent. In addition, the Corporate Governance Policies adopted by the Board, described further below, provide for independence standards consistent with NYSE listing standards. Generally, a director does not qualify as an independent director if the director (or in some cases, members of the director's immediate family) has, or in the past three years has had, certain material relationships or affiliations with the Company, its external or internal auditors, or other companies that do business with the Company. Having seven out of eight independent directors provides Neenah with a sufficient level of oversight, governance and independence without unduly limiting the senior executives from acting in the best interest of the Company and its shareholders. Even though Mr. Erwin is considered independent according to NYSE listing standards and SEC regulations, the Board appointed John F. McGovern to serve as Presiding Director for meetings of the non-affiliated independent directors.

        In evaluating the independence of our independent directors, the Board also considered whether any of the independent directors had any material relationships with Neenah and concluded that no such material relationship existed that would impair their independence. See "Approval of Related Party Transactions" below. In making this determination, the Board relied both on information provided by our directors as well as information developed internally by Neenah. As is currently the case, immediately after the election of the nominees to the Board of Directors, a majority of all directors holding office will be independent directors. The Nominating Committee and the Board have affirmatively determined that seven of the Company's eight directors do not have any relationship that would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out their responsibilities as directors and are independent in accordance with NYSE listing standards, rules and regulations and our Corporate Governance Policies. Neenah's independent directors are Sean T. Erwin, Margaret S. Dano, Stephen M. Wood, John F. McGovern, Timothy S. Lucas, Philip C. Moore and William M. Cook.

Nomination of Directors

        The Board of Directors is responsible for approving candidates for Board membership. The Board has delegated the screening and recruitment process to the Nominating Committee, in consultation with the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer. More specifically, our Nominating Committee has adopted, and the Board has ratified, the "Neenah Paper, Inc. Policy Regarding Qualification and Nomination of Director Candidates."

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        The Nominating Committee seeks to create a Board that is as a whole strong in its collective knowledge of, and diversity of skills and experience with respect to, accounting and finance, management and leadership, vision and strategy, business operations, business judgment, crisis management, risk assessment, industry knowledge, corporate governance, education, background and global markets.

        Qualified candidates for director are those who, in the judgment of the Nominating Committee, possess all of the following personal attributes and a sufficient mix of the following experience attributes to assure effective service on the Board. Personal attributes of a Board candidate considered by the Nominating Committee include: leadership, ethical nature, contributing nature, independence, interpersonal skills, and effectiveness. Experience attributes of a Board candidate considered by the Nominating Committee include: financial acumen, general business experience, industry knowledge, diversity of view-points, special business experience and expertise. When the Nominating Committee reviews a potential new candidate, the Nominating Committee looks specifically at the candidate's qualifications in light of the needs of the Board and our company at that time, given the then current mix of director attributes. Although the Company does not have a specific Board diversity policy, the Nominating Committee looks at the diversity of experience, background and Board composition in recommending director candidates as required by the Nominating Committee's charter.

        The Nominating Committee utilizes a variety of methods for identifying and evaluating nominees for director. The Nominating Committee periodically assesses the appropriate size of the Board and whether any vacancies on the Board are expected. In the event that vacancies are anticipated or otherwise arise, the Nominating Committee will seek to identify director candidates based on input provided by a number of sources, including: (i) Nominating Committee members; (ii) other directors of Neenah; (iii) management of Neenah; and (iv) stockholders of Neenah. The Nominating Committee also has the authority to consult with or retain advisors or search firms to assist in the identification of qualified director candidates.

        The Nominating Committee will consider nominees recommended by stockholders as candidates for election to the Board. A stockholder wishing to nominate a candidate for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting is required to give written notice to the Secretary of Neenah of his or her intention to make a nomination. Pursuant to our Amended and Restated Bylaws, the notice of nomination must be received by Neenah not less than 50 days nor more than 75 days prior to the Annual Meeting, or if Neenah gives less than 60 days' notice of the meeting date, the notice of nomination must be received within 10 days after the Annual Meeting date is announced.

        To recommend a nominee, a stockholder should write to Steven S. Heinrichs, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of Neenah, at 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Preston Ridge III, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005. Any such recommendation must include:

•

the name and address of the stockholder and a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of shares of our common stock;



•

a brief biographical description for the nominee, including his or her name, age, business and residence addresses, occupation for at least the last five years, and a statement of the qualifications of the candidate, taking into account the qualification requirements set forth above;



•

a description of all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee; and



•

the candidate's consent to serve as a director if elected.

        Once director candidates have been identified, the Nominating Committee will then evaluate each candidate in light of his or her qualifications and credentials and any additional factors that the

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Nominating Committee deems necessary or appropriate, including those set forth above. Qualified prospective candidates will be interviewed by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer and at least one member of the Nominating Committee. The full Board will be kept informed of the candidate's progress. Using input from such interviews and other information obtained by the Nominating Committee, the Nominating Committee will evaluate whether a prospective candidate is qualified to serve as a director and, if so qualified, will seek full Board approval of the nomination of the candidate or the election of such candidate to fill a vacancy on the Board.

        Existing directors who are being considered for re-nomination will be re-evaluated by the Nominating Committee based on each director's satisfaction of the qualifications described above and his or her performance as a director during the preceding year. All candidates submitted by stockholders will be evaluated in the same manner as candidates recommended from other sources, provided that the procedures set forth above have been followed.

        All of the current nominees for director are current members of the Board. Based on the Nominating Committee's evaluation of each nominee's satisfaction of the qualifications described above, the Nominating Committee determined to recommend the three directors for re-election. The Nominating Committee has not received any nominations from stockholders for the Annual Meeting.

Corporate Governance Policies

        We have adopted the Neenah Paper, Inc. Corporate Governance Policies that guide the Company and the Board on matters of corporate governance, including director responsibilities, Board committees and their charters, director independence, director qualifications, director evaluations, director orientation and education, director access to management, Board access to independent advisors, and management development and succession planning. Copies of the Corporate Governance Policies are available on our website at www.neenah.com.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

        We have adopted the Neenah Paper, Inc. Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, which applies to all of our directors, officers and employees. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics meets the requirements of a "code of ethics" as defined by SEC rules and regulations. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics also meets the requirements of a code of conduct under NYSE listing standards. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on our website at www.neenah.com.

Risk Oversight

        The Board participates in risk oversight through the Company's Enterprise Risk Evaluation conducted by our Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel, in conjunction with the Company's senior management team. Annual findings are reported to the Audit Committee pursuant to the requirements of its charter and the full Board reviews an annual report of the findings as required by our Corporate Governance Policies.

Communications with the Board of Directors

        We have established a process for interested parties to communicate with members of the Board, including non-management members of the Board. If you have any concern, question or complaint regarding any accounting, auditing or internal controls matter, or any issue with regard to our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics or other matters that you wish to communicate to our Board or non- management directors, send these matters in writing to c/o General Counsel, Neenah Paper, Inc., Preston Ridge III, 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005. Information about our Board communications policy and procedures for processing Board communications for all

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interested parties can be found on our website at www.neenah.com under the link "Investor Relations—Corporate Governance—Board of Directors—Board Communications Policy."

Approval of Related Party Transactions

        The charter of the Audit Committee requires that the Audit Committee review and approve any transactions that would require disclosure under SEC rules and regulations. To help identify related party transactions and relationships, each director and named executive officer, as such term is used is "Additional Executive Compensation Information—Summary Compensation Table," completes a questionnaire on an annual basis that requires the disclosure of any transaction or relationships that the person, or any member of his or her immediate family, has or will have with the Company. Additionally, the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics prohibits related party transactions and requires that any employee with knowledge of such a transaction provide written notice of the relationship or transaction to the Company's General Counsel. Neither Neenah nor the Board is aware of any matter in 2016 that required the review and approval of the Audit Committee in accordance with the terms of the charter.

Shareholder Rights Plan

        The Company's stockholder Rights Agreement expired on November 30, 2014. The Company has decided at this time to not put a new plan in place. We will evaluate the need for such a plan in the future as such need may arise.

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2016 DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

        The Compensation Committee has responsibility for evaluating and making recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding compensation for our nonemployee directors.

        Each of our directors who are not employees receives the following compensation:

        Neenah's director compensation program is intended to align with market level compensation to attract, motivate, and retain high-performing and diverse quality director talent. Neenah bi-annually conducts a director pay study to ensure alignment with market level compensation. In 2016 the directors all received 100% RSUs, which grant was a total of 1,170 shares (except for Mr. Cook who received 1,063 shares based on the Company's stock price on July 21, 2017). The number of stock options and RSUs granted to nonemployee directors is calculated annually using a modified Black Scholes formula used to provide a total equity value equal to the annual equity grant target in the same manner as used to calculate grants for Company employees under the Long-Term Compensation Plan ("LTCP"). Stock Options, when granted, become fully vested and exercisable on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The RSUs become fully vested and convert to shares of our common stock on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Employee directors receive no additional compensation and no perquisites for serving on our Board. Neenah also established the Neenah Paper Directors' Deferred Compensation Plan (the "Directors' Plan"), which enables each of our nonemployee directors to defer a portion of their cash compensation and RSU awards. In 2016 Mr. McGovern participated in the Director's Plan.

        Each of our nonemployee directors are required to own Company stock equal to two times their annual cash retainer. The valuation of restricted stock and options owned by our directors is calculated pursuant to the same guidelines detailed in this Proxy Statement for our named executive officers. All of our nonemployee directors met or exceeded the guidelines as of December 31, 2016.

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        The following table shows the total compensation paid to each of our nonemployee directors in 2016.

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

        The following section presents an analysis, summary and overview of our compensation policies and programs, including material decisions made under those policies and programs in setting the compensation levels for 2016 for our "named executive officers" ("NEO"). Decisions made concerning the total compensation package for our executives take into consideration the individual executive's level of responsibility within Neenah, the performance of Neenah relative to internal targets and peer companies, and the creation of long term shareholder value. We strive to achieve a balanced and competitive compensation package through a mix of base salary, performance-based cash bonuses, long-term equity based incentives and awards, deferred compensation plans, pension plans and welfare benefits.

Compensation Objectives and Philosophy

        Neenah's compensation policies are designed to incorporate the following attributes:

2016 Key Strategic and Financial Achievements

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Delivered record sales, earnings and cash generated from operations.



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Net sales of $942 million increased 6% versus 2015 and earnings per share of $4.26 increased 21% versus 2015



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Deployed cash in a disciplined fashion to maintain a strong Return on Capital and support attractive shareholder returns



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Return on Invested Capital increased from 11.8% to 12.7%



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Direct cash returns to shareholders increased from $25 to $38 million, reflecting a double digit increase in dividend payouts and increased share buybacks



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Debt was reduced from $229 to $221 million during the year, and the company maintained its good credit ratings and metrics



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Completed important strategic initiatives



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Organic capital project to add transportation filtration capacity in the US



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Integration of FiberMark acquisition and delivery of end of curve synergies ahead of schedule



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Total shareholder return of 39.3%



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Neenah stock price increase of 36% in 2016 compares to 29% increase in Russell 2000

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        Following this section under the heading "Additional Executive Compensation Information" we have included certain tables where you will find detailed compensation information for the named executive officers. This section is intended to provide additional details regarding Neenah's compensation practices, as well as the information and process used to create and implement our compensation program for our named executive officers and our other executive officers.

Named Executive Officers

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John P. O'Donnell, President and Chief Executive Officer



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Bonnie C. Lind, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer



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Steven S. Heinrichs, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary



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Julie A. Schertell, Senior Vice President, President Fine Paper & Packaging



•

James R. Piedmonte, Senior Vice President, Global Operations

Our Compensation-Setting Process

Role of Compensation Committee

        The Compensation Committee is responsible for carrying out the Board's responsibilities for determining the compensation for our named executive officers. In that capacity, the Compensation Committee (1) annually reviews and approves the corporate goals and objectives relating to our executive compensation programs; (2) evaluates performance against those goals and objectives; and (3) approves the compensation payable to our named executive officers.

The Role of Shareholder Say-on-Pay Votes

        The Company provides its shareholders with the opportunity to cast an annual advisory vote on executive compensation (a "say-on-pay proposal"). At the Company's annual meeting of shareholders held on May 26, 2016, greater than 98% of the votes cast on the say-on-pay proposal at that meeting were voted in favor of the proposal. The Compensation Committee considered these results and believes the voting results reflect strong shareholder support for the Company's approach to executive compensation. The Compensation Committee will continue to consider the outcome of the Company's say-on-pay votes in order to understand the environment of future compensation decisions for the named executive officers.

Use of Compensation Consultants

        The Compensation Committee charter grants the Compensation Committee authority to independently retain compensation consultants, and in 2016 the Compensation Committee again engaged Hugessen Consulting Inc. ("Hugessen") to provide it with independent advice and assistance in its deliberations regarding compensation matters. At the Committee's request, Hugessen originated certain analyses, reviewed the information provided by management and assisted the Compensation Committee in assessing 2016 compensation for Neenah's named executive officers. In addition, Hugessen provided input to assist the Compensation Committee in establishing the 2016 targeted compensation levels and performance criteria under the Company's incentive plans.

        The Compensation Committee must pre-approve any additional work of a material nature assigned to its consultant and will not approve any such work that, in its view, could compromise Hugessen's independence as advisor to the Committee. Hugessen does not provide any other services to Neenah. Decisions made by the Compensation Committee are the responsibility of the Committee and reflect factors and considerations in addition to the information and recommendations provided by Hugessen.

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        In 2016, the Compensation Committee, in accordance with SEC rules, considered the independence factors having to do with consultant conflicts of interest and determined that the work of the compensation consultant did not raise any conflicts of interest.

Role of Executive Officers

        At the request of the Compensation Committee, our President and Chief Executive Officer, along with our Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, make recommendations to our Compensation Committee regarding base salary and target levels for our annual performance bonuses and long-term equity compensation for our executive officers. Mr. O'Donnell is not involved in setting or approving his own compensation levels. These recommendations are based on the philosophy and analysis described in this Compensation Discussion and Analysis section of this Proxy Statement.

Peer Comparison

        To assist in evaluating and determining levels of compensation in 2016 for each element of pay, the Compensation Committee reviewed various sources of data prepared by management including:

•

Proxy data collected and analyzed from a peer group of companies in the paper, packaging, and base materials and specialty chemical industries similar in size to Neenah (the "Peer Group"). In 2016 the Peer Group consisted of the following companies:

•

Data collected from Equilar's database using a broad industry cut of manufacturing companies with revenues between $500 million and $2.0 billion.



•

The only Peer Group change in 2016 was the elimination of OM Group, Inc. due to the company being taken private in 2015.

        To develop market figures, compensation opportunities for the named executive officers were compared to the compensation opportunities for similarly situated executives in comparable positions. Hugessen reviewed the results of these analyses and provided feedback to the Compensation Committee in connection with their review of competitive pay practices.

        Neenah's management and the Compensation Committee do not believe that it is appropriate to establish compensation levels based solely on peer comparisons or benchmarking; however, marketplace information is one of the many factors that we consider in assessing the reasonableness of compensation. Management and the Compensation Committee believe that information regarding pay practices at other companies is useful to confirm that our compensation practices are competitive in the marketplace.

Targeted Compensation Levels

        The Compensation Committee establishes targeted total compensation levels based upon performance objectives for our executive officers eligible to receive an annual cash bonus opportunity under the Management Incentive Plan ("MIP") and the equity awards under the Long-Term

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Compensation Plan ("LTCP") as authorized by the Amended and Restated Neenah Paper, Inc. 2004 Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan (the "Omnibus Plan"). In making these determinations, our Compensation Committee is guided by the compensation philosophy described below. Our Compensation Committee also considers historical compensation levels, pay practices at companies in the Peer Group and the relative compensation among Neenah's senior executive officers. The Compensation Committee also considers industry conditions, corporate performance versus peer companies and the overall effectiveness of Neenah's compensation program in achieving desired performance levels.

        As targeted total compensation levels are determined, our Compensation Committee also determines the portion of total compensation that will be contingent, performance-based pay. Performance-based pay includes cash awards under our MIP program and equity awards under our LTCP, which may be earned based on the Company's achievement of performance goals and whose value depends upon long-term appreciation in stock price.

        Neenah's compensation philosophy is intended to provide competitive pay within the relevant market by targeting the total compensation opportunities and to reward the executives for short term and long term performance through an overall compensation mix that is targeted to include a minimum of 50% performance-based compensation for named executive officers. Our Chief Executive Officer's compensation in 2016 was approximately 71% performance-based at target levels and our other NEOs compensation was approximately 55% performance-based at target.

Compensation Components

        Our executive compensation includes the base components described below, each of which is designed to accomplish specific goals of our compensation philosophy described above. In connection with our discussion of each of such base components, the following questions will be addressed:

•

Why Neenah chooses to pay each of the base components;



•

How Neenah determines the amount of the various base components;



•

How each component fits into Neenah's overall compensation scheme and supports Neenah's compensation philosophy.

Base Salary

        Base salary is a critical element of executive compensation because it provides our executives with a base level of monthly income and also sets the base level for performance compensation. Individual base salaries for our named executive officers are generally reviewed by comparing total compensation opportunities within the Peer Group as discussed above. Salary increases, if any, are reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee on an annual basis. Factors considered in base salary

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increases include the Company's performance over the past year, changes in individual executive responsibility and the position of base salary together with all other compensation as indicated by our analysis of the Peer Group.

        This approach to base salary supports our compensation philosophy. The Compensation Committee has determined that setting NEO base salaries at this level allows Neenah to be competitive in attracting and retaining talent, while at the same time a substantial portion of the executive's overall compensation is performance based, thus aligning the executive's and stockholders' interests.

2016 Base Salary Decisions

        After discussing the individual performance, experience, scope of responsibilities, and Mr. O'Donnell's recommendations for the other NEOs, the Compensation Committee established the base salaries for each NEO in January of 2016. In general, any increases in base pay are intended to be competitive with the market and take into consideration the individual performance and scope of responsibilities of each NEO.

        The following table provides the base salary received by each named executive officer for 2016.

Annual Performance Bonuses

        Annual cash incentive bonus opportunities are awarded under the MIP, and are based on our achievement of performance goals established in the beginning of each calendar year. MIP target bonuses are established as a percentage of base salary with a target bonus ranging from 45% to 80% for NEOs. The Compensation Committee annually approves the target bonus range based on data provided from the market surveys as previously described and based on the experience and knowledge of the executive and the quality and effectiveness of their leadership within Neenah as determined by the Compensation Committee. The amount of the actual MIP bonus may be adjusted up or down from the target bonus based on Neenah's year-end results (as measured by the objective and subjective criteria set forth in the MIP plan for the applicable year, as previously approved by the Compensation Committee). Actual MIP payments can range from 0-200% of the target bonus for our chief executive, legal, operations and financial officers, and 0-250% for the business unit leaders, depending on whether the results fall short of, achieve or exceed the identified performance goals.

        Under the MIP, the Compensation Committee generally sets a range of possible payments from zero to a maximum percentage of the target award based on its belief that no bonus should be earned if performance is below established thresholds and its determination that the top end of the range should provide an appropriate incentive for management to achieve exceptional performance. Under the MIP, specific performance measures and thresholds are determined by the Compensation Committee in consultation with Mr. O'Donnell, based on key metrics that support the achievement of Neenah's short-term and long-term strategic objectives.

        Annual performance bonuses support our compensation philosophy in that they: (i) reward Neenah's executives for meeting and exceeding goals that contribute to Neenah's short-term and long-term strategic plan and growth; (ii) promote a performance-based work environment; and (iii) serve as a material financial incentive to attract and retain executive talent.

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2016 Annual Performance Bonus Awards

        For 2016, the Compensation Committee approved target bonuses for our named executive officers as a percentage of base salary with a target bonus ranging from 45% to 80%. The performance goals for the 2016 MIP program were set based on the following performance criteria and the relative weighting set forth below: (i) adjusted corporate earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization ("Corporate EBITDA"), which is calculated as net income plus income tax expenses, plus depreciation expense and amortization expense for intangibles, plus amortization expense for stock options and restricted stock units adjusted for any one time events outside of the ordinary course of business and (ii) business unit earnings before interest and taxes ("EBIT") for our Fine Paper and Technical Products business units, and (iii) progress achieved in implementing the Company's strategic plan:

        Each goal was set at levels that both the Compensation Committee and management believed to be challenging but attainable, and achievements would reflect significant performance by the Company. On a stand-alone basis, Corporate EBITDA could have yielded a payout from 0% at threshold, 100% at target and 200% at outstanding, and business unit EBIT could have yielded a payout from 0% at threshold, 100% at target and 300% at maximum, based on year-end results. These targets are consistent with our desire to incentivize and reward significant growth in profits.

        The strategic plan objective was paid out at 100% of target reflecting performance in achieving a set of strategic objectives considered critical for long-term growth. Results included the successful completion of an organic capital project to add filtration capacity in the US, finishing the integration of FiberMark and delivering end of curve synergies ahead of schedule, driving organic growth of targeted categories, and other strategic corporate initiatives.

        The performance goals and results for each of the financial metrics in 2016 were as follows:

        Based on the process described above, MIP payments were awarded as follows:

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Long-Term Equity Compensation

        Long-term equity incentives under the LTCP consist of performance share units and stock appreciation rights ("SARs") granted on an annual basis, with stock appreciation rights representing approximately 30% of the total value of the equity incentive awards and performance shares representing approximately 70% of the total value of the equity award granted to an executive officer for that year. This reflects the Company's desire to emphasize the performance based incentives in the LTCP. The total target LTCP grants are set at the beginning of the year for each named executive officer at a minimum of 55% of the executive's base salary. The Company typically grants 100% of the SARs in conjunction with the first Board meeting of each fiscal year. Each year the Compensation Committee reviews and approves a target number of performance share units for each of our named executive officers and each other participant in the LTCP plan. The number of units actually earned by each participant is determined by the Company's corporate performance. The range of possible awards is set by the Compensation Committee based on its: (i) belief that a minimal award shall be granted if the performance measures are significantly below target levels; and (ii) determination that the top end of the range provided an appropriate incentive for management to achieve exceptional performance.

        The combination of SARs and performance share units focuses our executives on Neenah's financial performance and increasing shareholder value. It is aligned with and supports our stock ownership policy. Long-term incentives also help retain employees during the performance periods.

2016 LTCP Awards

        For 2016, the Compensation Committee approved equity grants under the LTCP for our named executive officers with target values ranging from 55% to 170% of base salary pay as follows:

        For each of our named executive officers, the value was divided into awards of SARs and a target number of performance share units, with 70% of the value in performance share units and 30% of the value in SARs. The range of possible awards under the LTCP was selected to tie a substantial percentage of their compensation to Neenah's performance.

        The number of SARs to be awarded to each named executive officer in 2016 was determined by dividing the value of the portion of the LTCP award to be awarded as SARs (determined by the Compensation Committee as described above) by the fair value of one stock option (determined using a modified Black-Scholes formula), and then rounded to the nearest tens to produce the number of shares subject to the applicable option award. Each grant of SARs made in 2016 vests in increments of 33.34%, 33.33% and 33.33% over a three year period, with vesting occurring on each anniversary of the

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applicable grant and a ten year term to exercise. The process described above resulted in grants of SARs in 2016 to purchase the following options:

        The target number of performance share units to be awarded to each named executive officer in 2016 was determined by dividing the value of the portion of the LTCP award to be awarded as performance share units (determined by the Compensation Committee as described above) using fair market value of the stock price as of the date of grant, and then rounded to the nearest ten shares. The target number of performance share units are increased or decreased (to an amount equal to between 40% to 200% of the target number) after a one year performance period. The units are then subject to a two year holding period. After the end of the performance period, the adjustment of the target number of shares will be calculated based on the Company's achievement of performance goals relative to the following equally weighted criteria: year over year growth in sales (constant currency), year over year growth in return on invested capital, and relative total shareholder return ("Relative TSR"). The Relative TSR (including dividend yield), is compared against the Russell 2000 Value Index. The specific targets and results in 2016 were as follows:

        Based on the process described above and our performance against the targets noted, performance share unit ("PSU") grants were awarded as follows:

        The earned shares are now in a two year hold period and are still subject to forfeiture based on continued employment. All shares are scheduled to be released to active participants on December 31, 2018.

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Retirement Benefits

        We maintain the Neenah Paper 401(k) Retirement Plan (the "401(k) Plan"), which is a tax-qualified defined contribution plan for employees. The 401(k) Plan is available to all Neenah's U.S. employees, but includes a special company profit-sharing contribution feature that is only applicable for certain employees who are ineligible to participate in the Pension Plan. Further, we maintain a supplemental retirement contribution plan (the "Supplemental RCP") which is a non-qualified defined contribution plan which is intended to provide a tax-deferred retirement savings alternative for amounts exceeding Internal Revenue Code limitations on qualified plans. Additional information regarding the Supplemental RCP can be found in the 2016 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table later in this Proxy Statement. We also maintain the Deferred Compensation Plan, which is a non- qualified deferred compensation plan for our executive officers. The Deferred Compensation Plan enables our executive officers to defer a portion of annual cash compensation (base salary and non-equity awards under our MIP). This plan is intended to assist our executive officers in maximizing the value of the compensation they receive from the Company and assist in their retention. Additional information regarding the Deferred Compensation Plan can be found in the 2016 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation table later in this Proxy Statement.

        We also maintain the Neenah Paper Pension Plan, a tax-qualified defined benefit plan (the "Pension Plan") and the Neenah Paper Supplemental Pension Plan, a non-qualified defined benefit plan (the "Supplemental Pension Plan") which provide tax-deferred retirement benefits for certain of our employees, including Ms. Lind and Mr. Piedmonte, who were employed by Kimberly-Clark (our predecessor company prior to being spun-off) prior to December 31, 1996. Mr. O'Donnell, Mr. Heinrichs, and Ms. Schertell do not participate in these plans. Additional information regarding the Pension Plan and the Supplemental Pension Plan can be found in the 2016 Pension Benefits table later in this Proxy Statement.

        Neenah and the Compensation Committee believe that the Pension Plan, Supplemental Pension Plan, Retirement Contribution Plan, Supplemental RCP, Deferred Compensation Plan and 401(k) Plan are core components of our compensation program. The plans are competitive with plans maintained by our peer companies and are necessary to attract and retain top level executive talent. Additionally, the plans support the long-term retention of key executives by providing a strong incentive for the executive to remain with Neenah over an extended number of years.

Severance Payments

        The Neenah Paper Executive Severance Plan (the "Executive Severance Plan") covers designated officers, including all of our named executive officers, and provides certain severance benefits upon termination of employment following a change in control of Neenah. Upon termination of the officer's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" (as defined in the Executive Severance Plan) within the two-year period following a change in control or a termination by us without "cause" during the one-year period preceding such a change in control, the Executive Severance Plan as in effect as of December 31, 2016 provided that the officer would be entitled to a cash payment equal to the sum of: (i) two times the sum of his annual base salary and targeted annual bonus; (ii) any qualified retirement plan benefits forfeited as a result of such termination; (iii) the amount of retirement benefits such officer would have received under the qualified and supplemental retirement plans but for his or her termination for the two-year period following his or her termination; (iv) the cost of medical and dental COBRA premiums for a period of two years; and (v) a cash settlement of any accrued retiree welfare benefits. In addition, the officer will be eligible to receive outplacement services for a period of two years (up to a maximum cost to us of $50,000).

        In March 2017, the Compensation Committee amended the Executive Severance Plan (the "2017 Executive Severance Plan"), effective April 1, 2017, to provide named officers certain severance

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benefits both upon termination of employment following a change in control of Neenah and outside of a change in control. The 2017 revisions also categorize the participating officers as either "Tier 1," "Tier 2" or "Tier 3" participants in order to provide varying benefit amounts to the different officers. All NEOs are Tier 1 participants.

        Upon termination of the officer's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" (as defined in the 2017 Executive Severance Plan) outside of a change in control of Neenah each NEO will be entitled to an amount equal to one and one-half times his or her base salary. Upon termination of the officer's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" within the two-year period following a change in control, the 2017 Executive Severance Plan provides that each NEO will be entitled to the sum of (i) two times the sum of his or her annual base salary, (ii) the amount of bonus under Neenah's Management Incentive Plan that he or she has earned through the date of the change in control plus two times his or her targeted annual bonus; (iii) any profit-sharing contributions or pension plan benefits forfeited as a result of such termination; (iv) the amount of profit-sharing contributions and pension plan benefits such participant would have received under the qualified and supplemental retirement plans but for his or her termination for the two-year period following his or her termination; and (v) the cost of medical and dental COBRA premiums for a period of two years. In addition, each NEOs will be fully vested in his or her account under the Deferred Compensation Plan and any awards granted to him or her under the Omnibus Plan.

        In addition, upon termination of an NEO's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" the NEO will be eligible to receive reimbursement for outplacement service costs for a period of two years for an amount not to exceed $50,000.

        Payment of the benefits under the Executive Severance Plan is subject to the applicable executive executing an agreement that includes restrictive covenants and a general release of claims against us. These benefits are intended to recruit and retain key executives and provide continuity in Neenah's management in the event of a change in control. We believe the Executive Severance Plan is consistent with similar plans maintained by our peer companies and therefore is a core component of our compensation program necessary to attract and retain key executives.

Timing of Compensation

        Base salary adjustments, if any, are made by our Compensation Committee at the first meeting of each fiscal year (with the adjustments effective as of January 1 of that same year). Stock option grants and performance share unit target levels and awards are made in the manner described above. We do not coordinate the timing of equity awards with the release of non-public information. The exercise price of the stock options is established at the fair market value of the closing price of our stock on the date of the grant.

Tax and Accounting Consideration

        In general, the tax and accounting treatment of compensation for our named executive officers has not been a core component used in setting compensation. In limited circumstances we do consider such treatment and attempt to balance the cost to Neenah against the overall goals we intend to achieve through our compensation philosophy. In particular, our intent is to maximize deductibility of our named executive officers' compensation under Code Section 162(m) while maintaining the flexibility necessary to appropriately compensate our executives based on performance and the existing competitive environment. The MIP and LTCP programs are performance based and are designed to be fully deductible under Code Section 162(m).

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Stock Ownership Guidelines

        The Compensation Committee has adopted stock ownership guidelines to foster long-term stock holdings by company leadership. These guidelines create a strong link between stockholders' and management's interests. Named executive officers are required to own a designated multiple of their respective annual salaries. The multiples are as follow:

        Each of the named executive officers is required to hold at least 50% of their annual performance share grants until they reach the ownership guidelines. The following holdings are counted toward fulfilling guidelines, with each being valued using our stock price as of December 31 of each year; (i) stock held in the 401(k) plan, other deferral plans, outright or in brokerage accounts; (ii) performance share units or restricted stock units earned but not vested or not paid out; and (iii) 'in the money' value of vested or unvested stock options and SARs. Penalties for continued failure to meet the guidelines include payment of MIP compensation in Neenah stock and reduction of LTCP compensation. All of our named executive officers met or exceeded the guidelines as of December 31, 2016.

Clawback Policy

        The Compensation Committee adopted a "clawback policy" for all executives and other employees participating in our MIP program concerning the future payment of MIP payments and long term equity grants under the LTCP program. This policy gives the Board the authority to reclaim certain overstated payments made to Neenah employees due to materially inaccurate results presented in the Company's audited financial statements.

Policies against Hedging and Pledging Securities

        Our insider trading policy provides that directors, officers and employees are prohibited from engaging in short sales and buying or selling puts or calls or other derivative securities of Neenah. Directors and officers are also prohibited from holding Neenah securities in a margin account or pledging Neenah securities as collateral for a loan.

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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

        The Compensation Committee oversees Neenah's compensation policies and programs on behalf of the Board. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with Neenah's management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis included in this Proxy Statement. In reliance on such review and discussions, the Compensation Committee recommended to Neenah's Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement and in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

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ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (ITEM 2)

        The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote "FOR" the approval of the Company's executive compensation.

        Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") requires that we include in this proxy statement a non-binding stockholder vote on our executive compensation as described in this proxy statement (commonly referred to as "Say-on-Pay").

        We encourage stockholders to review the Compensation Discussion and Analysis ("CD&A") section of this proxy statement. Our executive compensation program has been designed to pay for performance and align our compensation programs with business strategies focused on long-term growth and creating value for stockholders while also paying competitively and focusing on total compensation. The Company's executive compensation programs are designed to attract, motivate and retain highly qualified executive officers who are able to achieve corporate objectives and create stockholder value. The Compensation Committee believes the Company's executive compensation programs reflect a strong pay-for-performance philosophy and are well aligned with the stockholders' long-term interests without promoting excessive risk. We feel this design is evidenced by the following:

•

A majority of our executives' compensation is directly linked to our performance and the creation of stockholder value. The overall compensation mix is targeted to include at least 50% performance based compensation for the named executive officers with a higher percentage of our CEO's compensation being performance based. In 2016 70% of our CEO's compensation was performance based at target levels.



•

Our long-term incentive awards are exclusively in the form of performance share units, stock options and stock appreciation rights and all of our incentive plans have capped payouts.



•

LTCP grants are split with 70% of the total value of the awards granted as performance share units with a three-year vesting period, and 30% as stock appreciation rights with annual vesting over a three-year period. This reflects the Company's desire to emphasize performance based incentives. For our performance share units, we use objective performance metrics closely tied to financial performance and shareholder value, such as increasing return on invested capital, revenue growth, cash flow generation and relative total shareholder return. In 2016 LTCP grants were awarded at 138% of target based on achieved growth in sales, return on invested capital and total shareholder return.



•

Our short-term incentive plan (MIP) also is based on a pay-for-performance philosophy, with target bonus opportunities ranging from 45% to 80% of base salary based on improvements in corporate and business unit profits and successful execution of strategic objectives. In 2016, executives received a payment of 92% to 96% of target as a result of performance in corporate EBITDA, business unit EBIT and the successful execution of strategic objectives.



•

We have meaningful stock ownership requirements for our named executive officers.



•

We do not have employment agreements or other individual arrangements with our named executive officers that provide for a specified term of employment, compensation terms or specific benefits upon a termination of employment.



•

Benefits under our Executive Severance Plan in connection with a change-in-control are payable only on a double trigger basis (i.e., following both a change in control and a qualifying termination of employment).



•

The Compensation Committee is advised by an independent compensation consultant who keeps the Compensation Committee apprised of developments and best practices.

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•

The Company has a clawback policy which allows the Company to recoup awards if payment or vesting was based on financial criteria that are later deemed to be materially inaccurate.



•

In 2017 the Compensation Committee amended the Executive Severance Plan to remove the excise tax gross up provision.

The Board strongly endorses the Company's executive compensation program and recommends that stockholders vote in favor of the following resolution:

RESOLVED, that the stockholders approve the compensation of the Company's named executive officers as described in this proxy statement under "Executive Compensation", including the Compensation Discussion and Analysis and the tabular and narrative disclosure contained in this proxy statement.

        Because the vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee and neither the Board of Directors nor the Compensation Committee will be required to take any action as a result of the outcome of the vote on this proposal. The Compensation Committee will consider the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

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ADVISORY VOTE ON FREQUENCY OF ADVISORY VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION (ITEM 3)

        The Board of Directors unanimously recommends that the stockholders vote to conduct an advisory vote on executive compensation every "One Year."

        Enacted legislation requires that we include in this proxy statement a separate non-binding stockholder vote to advise on whether the frequency of the Say-on-Pay vote should occur every one, two or three years. You have the option to vote for any one of the three options, or to abstain on the matter.

        The Board has determined that an advisory vote on executive compensation every one year is the best approach for the Company based on a number of considerations, including the following:

•

An advisory vote on executive compensation every year will provide our stockholders the opportunity to provide us with their direct input on our compensation policies, philosophy and practices as disclosed in our proxy statement every year.



•

An annual vote cycle will maximize stockholder communication by providing a direct, clear means for the Company to receive and evaluate investor sentiment concerning our executive compensation philosophy.



•

Without annual stockholder input it could be difficult to understand whether a stockholder vote pertains to the compensation year being discussed in the current proxy, or pay practices from previous years. An annual vote enables the Compensation Committee to better understand the implications of each vote and to respond accordingly.

        Although the vote is non-binding, our Board of Directors will take into account the outcome of the vote when making future decisions about the Company's executive compensation policies and procedures. The Company's stockholders also have the opportunity to provide additional feedback on important matters involving executive compensation. As discussed under "Corporate Governance—Communications with the Board" the Company provides stockholders an opportunity to communicate directly with the Board, including on issues of executive compensation. In addition, the rules of NYSE require the Company to seek stockholder approval for new employee equity compensation plans and material revisions thereto.

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ADDITIONAL EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Summary Compensation Table

        The following table reflects compensation paid to or earned by our named executive officers for services rendered during 2016, 2015 and 2014:

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2016 Grants of Plan Based Awards

        The following table contains information relating to the plan based awards grants made in 2016 to our named executive officers under the Omnibus Plan and is intended to supplement the 2016 Summary Compensation Table listed above.

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Outstanding Equity Awards at 2016 Fiscal Year-End

        The following table sets forth information concerning outstanding equity awards for our named executive officers as of December 31, 2016.

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Option Exercises and Stock Vested in 2016

        The following table sets forth information regarding options exercised and stock awards vested for our named executive officers in 2016.

Pension Plans

        The Neenah Paper Pension Plan is a broad-based, tax-qualified defined benefit pension plan, which provides a benefit upon retirement to eligible employees of the Company. The Neenah Paper Supplemental Pension Plan is a non-qualified defined benefit pension plan which covers pay and benefits above the qualified limits in the Pension Plan. The compensation covered by these defined benefit plans includes the salary and non-equity incentive payments set forth above in the Summary Compensation Table. Under our Pension Plan an employee is entitled to receive an annual standard benefit based on years of service and integrated with social security benefits. The Code generally places limits on the amount of pension benefits that may be paid from the tax qualified Pension Plan. However, we will pay any participant in our Supplemental Pension Plan the amount of the benefit payable under the Pension Plan that is limited by the Code.

        Retirement benefits for participants in the Pension Plan who have at least five years of service may begin on a reduced basis at age 55 or on an unreduced basis at the normal retirement age of 65. Unreduced benefits also are available (i) for participants with ten years of service at age 62 or as early as age 60 with thirty years of service and (ii) as described below, for certain involuntary terminations. Ms. Lind and Mr. Piedmonte are eligible for early retirement on a reduced basis. None of our other named executive officers currently is eligible for retirement under our Pension Plan or Supplemental Pension Plan.

        The normal form of benefit is a single-life annuity payable monthly and other optional forms of benefit are available including a joint and survivor benefit. Accrued benefits under our Supplemental Pension Plan will, at the participant's option, either be paid as monthly payments in the same form as the retirement payments from the Pension Plan or as an actuarially determined lump sum payment upon retirement after age 55.

        For a discussion of how we value these obligations and the assumption we use in that valuation, see Note 8 to our financial statements included in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K. For purposes of determining the present value of accumulated benefits, we have used the normal retirement age under the plans, which is 65.

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2016 Pension Benefits

        The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2016 regarding accumulated benefits to our named executive officers under our Pension Plan, Supplemental Pension Plan and German Pension Plans.

2016 Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

        The Supplemental RCP is a nonqualified excess benefit and supplemental retirement plan pursuant to which the Company provides additional retirement benefits to certain highly compensated employees. These Company contributions are intended to provide contributions to those individuals whose benefits under tax-qualified programs are restricted by the limitations permitted by the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions are held for each participant in either an excess benefit or supplemental benefit unfunded separate account. Participant accounts are credited with earnings, gains and losses based on the rate of return of investment funds selected by the participant, which the participant may elect to change in accordance with the participant's elections under the Supplemental RCP. Payments can be tied to termination of employment, including retirement, and would be paid in lump sum. If a participant dies before receiving the full value of their account balance, the participant's beneficiary would receive the remainder of the benefit in one lump sum payment. All accounts would be distributed promptly following a change in control, subject to a 10% reduction in a current participant's account and a 5% reduction in an account for a retired participant. The Deferred Compensation Plan enables our executive officers to defer a portion of annual cash compensation (base salary and non-equity awards under our MIP). This plan is intended to assist our executive officers in maximizing the value of the compensation they receive from the Company and assist in their retention. Named

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executive officer participation in the Supplemental RCP and the Deferred Compensation Plan in 2016 is as follows:

Potential Payments Upon Termination

        We do not have employment agreements or other individual arrangements with our named executive officers that provide for specific benefits upon a termination of employment. In general, upon termination of employment, an executive officer will receive compensation and benefits for which he or she has already vested. This includes accrued but unpaid salary, accrued and unused vacation pay, and payments and benefits accrued under our broad-based benefit programs. The following section describes certain payments and benefits that would be payable to our named executive officers in the event of their involuntary termination in connection with a change-in-control of Neenah, or other involuntary termination.

Involuntary Termination in Connection with a Change in Control

        The Executive Severance Plan as in effect as of December 31, 2016 provided certain severance benefits upon termination of employment of designated officers, including all of our named executive officers, following a change in control of Neenah. Upon termination of the officer's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" (as defined in the Executive Severance Plan) within the two year period following a change in control or a termination by us without "cause" during the one year period preceding such a change in control, the Executive Severance Plan as in effect as of December 31, 2016 provided that the officer would be entitled to a lump sum cash payment equal to the sum of: (i) two times the sum of his annual base salary and targeted annual bonus; (ii) any qualified retirement plan benefits forfeited as a result of such termination; (iii) the amount of retirement benefits such officer would have received under the qualified and supplemental retirement plans but for his or her termination for the two year period following his or her termination; (iv) the cost of medical and dental COBRA premiums for a period of two years; and (v) a cash settlement of any accrued retiree welfare benefits. In addition, the officer will be eligible to receive outplacement services for a period of two years (up to a maximum cost to us of $50,000). Payment of the benefits under the Executive Severance Plan is subject to the applicable executive executing an agreement that includes restrictive covenants and a general release of claims against us. The Executive Severance Plan

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has been designed to limit exposure for any "parachute" excise taxes; but if such excise taxes apply, we will reimburse the officer on an after-tax basis for any excise taxes incurred by that executive due to payments received under the Executive Severance Plan.

        The following table shows the payments that would be made to each of our named executive officers under the Executive Severance Plan in connection with a change-in-control termination as of December 31, 2016, without giving effect to the revisions effected by the 2017 Executive Severance Plan.

Other Involuntary Termination

        The Neenah Paper Severance Pay Plan (the "Severance Pay Plan") provides regular severance to our executive officers until the effectiveness of the 2017 Executive Severance Plan. Participation in the Severance Pay Plan is conditioned upon each participant's execution of a non-compete agreement. In the event of a qualifying termination of employment without "Cause" (as defined in the Severance Pay Plan), the Severance Pay Plan generally provides officers (including named executive officers) severance equal to one year of base salary.

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2017 Executive Severance Plan

        The 2017 Executive Severance plan (effective April 1, 2017) provides named officers certain severance benefits both upon termination of employment following a change in control of Neenah and outside of a change in control. The 2017 revisions also categorize the participating officers as either "Tier 1," "Tier 2" or "Tier 3" participants in order to provide varying benefit amounts to the different officers. All NEOs are Tier 1 participants in the 2017 Executive Severance Plan. After April 1, 2017, officers covered by 2017 Executive Severance Plan will not be eligible to receive benefits under the Severance Play Plan.

        Upon termination of the officer's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" (as defined in the 2017 Executive Severance Plan) outside of a change in control of Neenah each NEO will be entitled to an amount equal to one and one-half times his or her base salary. Upon termination of the officer's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" within the two-year period following a change in control, the 2017 Executive Severance Plan provides that each NEO will be entitled to the sum of (i) two times the sum of his or her annual base salary, (ii) the amount of bonus under Neenah's Management Incentive Plan that he or she has earned through the date of the change in control plus two times his or her targeted annual bonus; (iii) any profit-sharing contributions or pension plan benefits forfeited as a result of such termination; (iv) the amount of profit-sharing contributions and pension plan benefits such participant would have received under the qualified and supplemental retirement plans but for his or her termination for the two-year period following his or her termination; and (v) the cost of medical and dental COBRA premiums for a period of two years. In addition, each NEOs will be fully vested in his or her account under the Deferred Compensation Plan and any awards granted to him or her under the Omnibus Plan. Excise tax gross up payments are not included as a part of this plan.

        In addition, upon termination of an NEO's employment by Neenah without "cause" or by the officer for "good reason" the NEO will be eligible to receive reimbursement for outplacement service costs for a period of two years for an amount not to exceed $50,000.

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COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

        The following directors served on the Compensation Committee during 2016: Ms. Dano, Mr. McGovern and Dr. Wood. None of the members of the Compensation Committee was an officer or employee of Neenah during 2016 or any time prior thereto, and none of the members had any relationship with Neenah during 2016 that required disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. None of our executive officers serves as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving as a member of our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.

SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

        Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act and rules and regulations of the SEC thereunder require our directors, officers and persons who beneficially own more than 10% of our common stock, as well as certain affiliates of such persons, to file initial reports of their ownership of our common stock and subsequent reports of changes in such ownership with the SEC. Directors, officers and persons owning more than 10% of our common stock are required by SEC rules and regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports they file. Based solely on our review of the copies of such reports received by us and on information provided by the reporting persons, we believe that during 2016, our directors, officers and owners of more than 10% of our common stock complied with all applicable filing requirements, except that Mr. Moore filed a Form 4 late on March 30, 2017 representing restricted stock units granted in lieu of a quarterly cash dividend granted in 2016 and 2017.

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AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

        The Audit Committee assists the Board of Directors in fulfilling its oversight responsibilities relating to the accuracy and integrity of Neenah's financial reporting, including the performance and the independence of Neenah's independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP ("Deloitte"). Our Board of Directors adopted an Audit Committee Charter, which sets forth the responsibilities of the Audit Committee. The charter is available on our website at www.neenah.com. The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management and Deloitte our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. The Audit Committee also discussed with Deloitte the matters required to be discussed under Statement on Auditing Standards No. 1301, Communications with Audit Committees, as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board ("PCAOB").

        The Audit Committee received the written disclosures and other communications from Deloitte that are required by the applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding Deloitte's communications with the Audit Committee, which included independence considerations. The Audit Committee reviewed the audit and non-audit services provided by Deloitte for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and determined to engage Deloitte as the independent registered public accounting firm of Neenah for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. The Audit Committee also received and reviewed a report by Deloitte outlining communications required by NYSE listing standards describing: (1) the firm's internal quality control procedures; (2) any material issue raised by a) the most recent internal quality control review of the firm, b) peer review of the firm, or c) any inquiry or investigation by governmental or professional authorities, within the preceding five years, respecting one or more independent audits carried out by the firm, and any steps taken to deal with issues; and (3) (to assess Deloitte's independence) all relationships between Deloitte and us.

        In reliance upon the Audit Committee's review of the audited financial statements, the discussions noted above, and Deloitte's report, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors, and the Board of Directors approved, that the audited financial statements be included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 for filing with the SEC.

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RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM (ITEM 4)

        The Audit Committee and the Board unanimously recommend that the stockholders vote "FOR" the proposal to ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche, LLP as our independent registered public accounting firm.

        The Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, in accordance with its charter and authority delegated to it by the Board, has appointed the firm of Deloitte & Touche LLP to serve as our independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2017. As a matter of good corporate practice, the Board has directed that such appointment be submitted to our stockholders for ratification at the Annual Meeting. Deloitte & Touche LLP has served as our independent registered public accounting firm since our spin-off from Kimberly-Clark Corporation in November 2004 and is considered by our Audit Committee to be well qualified. If the stockholders do not ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment. Even if the stockholders ratify the appointment, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may appoint a different independent auditor at any time during the year if the Audit Committee determines that such a change would be in the best interests of Neenah and its stockholders.

        Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP will be present at the Annual Meeting and will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so. They also will be available to respond to appropriate questions from stockholders.

INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM FEES AND SERVICES

Audit Fees

        Aggregate fees for professional services rendered for us by Deloitte & Touche LLP, the member firms of Deloitte Touche and Tohmatsu and their respective affiliates ("Deloitte & Touche") as of or for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are set forth below. The aggregate fees included in the Audit category are fees billed for the fiscal year for the integrated audit of our annual financial statements and review of statutory and regulatory filings. The aggregate fees included in each of the other categories are fees billed in the fiscal years.

        Audit Fees were for professional services rendered for the audit of our annual consolidated financial statements including the audit of our internal control over financial reporting and review of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q filed by us with the SEC.

        Tax Fees were for professional services rendered to assist us with compliance with the revised Tangible Property Regulations of the Internal Revenue Service.

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Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval

        To avoid potential conflicts of interest in maintaining auditor independence, the law prohibits a publicly-traded company from obtaining certain non-audit services from its independent registered public accounting firm. The law also requires the audit committee of a publicly traded company to pre-approve other services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. Pursuant to its charter, the Audit Committee's policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. In its pre-approval of non-audit services, the Audit Committee considers, among other factors, the possible effect of the performance of such services on the auditor's independence. The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to a member of the Audit Committee. The decisions of any Audit Committee member to whom pre-approval authority is delegated shall be presented to the full Audit Committee at its next scheduled meeting. The Audit Committee pre-approved all services performed by the independent registered public accounting firm in fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015, including those services described in the table above under the captions "Audit Fees".

STOCKHOLDERS' PROPOSALS FOR 2018 ANNUAL MEETING

        Proposals of stockholders, excluding nominations for the Board, intended to be presented at the 2018 Annual Meeting should be submitted by certified mail, return receipt requested, and must be received by us at our executive offices in Alpharetta, Georgia, on or before December 9, 2017, the date that is 120 calendar days prior to the first anniversary of the date that this Proxy Statement is released to stockholders, to be eligible for inclusion in our Proxy Statement and form of proxy relating to that meeting and to be introduced for action at the 2018 Annual Meeting. In the event that the date of the 2018 Annual Meeting is changed more than thirty days from the date of this year's meeting, notice by stockholders should be received no later than the close of business on the later of the 150^th calendar day prior to the 2018 meeting or the 10^th calendar day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made.

        Any stockholder proposal must be in writing and must comply with Rule 14a-8 under the Exchange Act and must set forth (i) a description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting the business at the meeting; (ii) the name and address, as they appear on our books, of the stockholder submitting the proposal; (iii) the class and number of shares that are beneficially owned by such stockholder; (iv) the dates on which the stockholder acquired the shares; (v) documentary support for any claim of beneficial ownership as required by Rule 14a-8; (vi) any material interest of the stockholder in the proposal; (vii) a statement in support of the proposal; and (viii) any other information required by the rules and regulations of the SEC. Stockholder nominations for the Board must comply with the procedures set forth above under "Corporate Governance—Nomination of Directors."

        The failure of a stockholder to deliver a proposal in accordance with the requirements of the preceding paragraphs may result in it being excluded from our Proxy Statement and ineligible for consideration at the 2018 Annual Meeting. Further, the submission of a proposal in accordance with the requirements of the preceding paragraph does not guarantee that we will include it in our Proxy Statement or that it will be eligible for consideration at the 2018 Annual Meeting. We strongly encourage any stockholder interested in submitting a proposal to contact our Corporate Secretary in advance of the submission deadline to discuss the proposal.

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OTHER MATTERS THAT MAY COME BEFORE THE ANNUAL MEETING

        Our Board knows of no matters other than those referred to in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders which may properly come before the Annual Meeting. However, if any other matter should be properly presented for consideration and vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof, it is the intention of the persons named as proxies on the enclosed form of proxy card to vote the shares represented by all valid proxy cards in accordance with their judgment of what is in the best interest of Neenah and its stockholders.

HOUSEHOLDING OF NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS

        The SEC's proxy rules permit companies and intermediaries, such as brokers and banks, to satisfy delivery requirements for Notices, and if applicable, the proxy statements and annual reports, with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single Notice to those stockholders. This method of delivery, often referred to as householding, should reduce the amount of duplicate information that stockholders receive and lower printing and mailing costs for companies. Neenah and certain intermediaries are householding Notices, and if applicable, proxy statements and annual reports, for shareholders of record in connection with its 2017 Annual Meeting. This means that:

•

Only one Notice, and if applicable, proxy statement and annual report, will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless you notify your broker or bank to the contrary;



•

You can contact Neenah by calling 678-566-6500 or by writing to INVESTOR RELATIONS, Neenah Paper, Inc., at 3460 Preston Ridge Road, Preston Ridge III, Suite 600, Alpharetta, Georgia 30005 to request a separate copy of the Notice, and if applicable, proxy statement and annual report, for the 2017 Annual Meeting and for future meetings or, if you are currently receiving multiple copies, to receive only a single copy in the future or you can contact your bank or broker to make a similar request; and



•

You can request delivery of a single copy of the Notice, and if applicable, proxy statement and annual report, from your bank or broker if you share the same address as another Neenah shareholder and your bank or broker has determined to household proxy materials.

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