CellMark, Monadnock Paper Mills, Zeus Group announce key leadership appointments

SWEDEN— Three major industry players have announced new executive appointments as they position themselves for growth amid shifting global market conditions, supply chain pressures, and the accelerating demand for sustainable solutions.

Doug Smith named CEO of CellMark

The Board of Directors of CellMark Investment AB has appointed Doug Smith as the new President and Chief Executive Officer of the global supply chain services group.

Smith, who will operate primarily from Toronto while working regularly from CellMark’s Gothenburg headquarters, has been with the company since 2009 and has led its founding CellMark Pulp division since 2014.

A seasoned executive with more than 20 years’ experience in the pulp sector, Smith will retain his role as President of CellMark Pulp during the transition period and will remain on the Board of Directors.

CellMark, headquartered in Sweden, manages international divisions spanning pulp, packaging, paper, recycling, chemicals, and basic materials.

The company said Smith’s appointment comes at a time of strategic evolution, with CellMark continuing to expand its services and global trading footprint.

Monadnock Paper Mills appoints Andrew Manns as CEO

In the United States, Monadnock Paper Mills has appointed Andrew Manns as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a carefully planned leadership handover.

Manns, who joined Monadnock in 1995, previously served as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer.

In his statement, Manns paid tribute to former CEO Richard G. Verney, who passed away earlier this year, and said he remains committed to advancing the company’s mission.

Founded in 1819, Monadnock is one of the oldest continuously operating paper mills in the U.S., now facing modern challenges ranging from supply chain disruptions to evolving sustainability regulations.

Industry analysts say Manns’ financial expertise positions the mill well as it adapts to shifting regulatory demands and rising expectations for environmentally responsible materials.

Zeus Group adds two non-executive directors

Meanwhile, Irish packaging giant Zeus Group has strengthened its board with the appointment of Brian O’Kelly and Paul Hogan as non-executive directors.

O’Kelly, a former co-head of investment banking at Goodbody Stockbrokers, currently serves as Chairman of Bellingham Capital and holds several board roles.

Hogan brings decades of sector experience, having spent 24 years at Clondalkin Group before serving as CFO of Nelipak Healthcare Packaging Corporation and later CFO of Brook & Whittle Holdings.

Welcoming the appointments, Zeus founder Brian O’Sullivan said the pair’s combined strengths in governance, finance, and packaging will be “instrumental as we scale our business, execute on M&A opportunities and continue to build sustainable value.”

The moves highlight the broader industry trend of companies tightening governance and strengthening leadership structures to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving global market.

Subscribe to our email newsletters that provide busy executives like you with the latest news insights and trends from Africa and the World. SUBSCRIBE HERE