SOUTH AFRICA – Sappi, a global manufacturer of dissolving wood pulp, paper, and biomaterials, has announced that Graeme Wild will be appointed as the new CEO of Sappi Southern Africa, effective December 1.
Wild, who currently serves as Sappi Southern Africa’s VP of Sales and Marketing, will succeed Alex Thiel, who has been CEO for 14 years. Thiel will transition to overseeing strategic projects until his retirement at the end of 2025.
Sappi’s CEO, Steve Binnie, expressed gratitude for Thiel’s contributions during his 34-year tenure with the company.
He commended Thiel for his exceptional leadership and highlighted his role in reshaping the South African business following his return from Sappi Europe in 2010.
Under Thiel’s guidance, the region improved profitability, streamlined operations, enhanced customer engagement, and implemented significant sustainability and performance initiatives, including the recent expansion of dissolving pulp production and environmental improvements at Saiccor Mill.
Binnie emphasized the importance of a smooth leadership transition, crediting the company’s succession planning process.
He praised Wild as a seasoned leader with deep industry knowledge, investor relations expertise, and a solid commitment to sustainability.
Binnie expressed confidence that Wild would continue driving the business forward, ensuring competitiveness and delivering value to the communities where Sappi operates.
Wild’s career with Sappi began in 1995 when he joined as a forester. Over the years, he has held several leadership roles, including strategy manager for Sappi Forests and group head of investor relations and sustainability.
Since January 2021, he has been responsible for marketing and sales in South Africa. He has overseen growth in the containerboard segment to meet rising demand from citrus exporters and spearheaded the development of new packaging solutions for the food and fast-food sectors.
Wild holds a BSc in Forestry from Stellenbosch University, an MBA (cum laude) from the Gordon Institute of Business Science and has completed executive education at Harvard Business School.
Billerud names Doug Schwartz as new president of North America
Meanwhile, Billerud has appointed Doug Schwartz as President Billerud North America and member of the company’s Group Management Team, effective 30 September.
Doug Schwartz has extensive experience in the U.S. forest and paper industry, including serving in key leadership roles at companies such as Sonoco Products Company (Sonoco), International Paper and Champion International Corporation. He most recently held the position of Vice President and General Manager, Rigid Paper Containers at Sonoco.
Billerud is one of the leading manufacturers of packaging paper made from virgin fibers.
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