Paper360°’s 2025 Power List

The best way to predict the future is to create it, goes the adage. Yet when you’re talking about an entire industry—an industry with direct impact on health, hygiene, education, and quality of life for the global population—an industry at the nexus of science, sustainability, technology, and innovation—an industry evolving away from the old model of what it was to explore new ideas about what it could be—you need more than a few wise words to make it happen.

You need people.

Each year, Paper360° offers this Top 50 Power List to look at the movers and shakers within the pulp, paper, packaging, and tissue industry—those working to create our industry’s future. This year, our editors continue to expand our idea of “who” is powerful to include people outside of the C-Suite—acknowledging that anyone with passion, knowledge, and determination can be a changemaker. We have reached out to some of TAPPI’s most active divisions to ask for the inside scoop on who is making a difference within dynamic industry sectors including Young Professionals, Women in Industry, and Renewable Bioproducts.

We round things out by throwing the spotlight on some powerful “whats” in our industry: innovations from mills, plants, and supplier companies that we think will have a lasting impact.

Who (or what) did we miss? Check out this year’s exclusive list, then send us your own Power Players!

LEADERS

1. TONY SMURFIT, SMURFIT WESTROCK

Tony Smurfit, group CEO of Smurfit Westrock, has been a regular on our list as CEO of Smurfit Kappa. Since the merger with Westrock, Smurfit has been elevated even further by this year being named TAPPI/PIMA Executive of the Year. The newly combined company is now a true giant in the industry with over 100,000 employees working at more than 500 sites operating in 40 countries. The company has 23 million tons of paper making capacity and 20 million tons of packaging capacity. Smurfit Westrock was recently included on the Forbes Global 2000 lists of the world’s largest and most successful companies.

2. JACKSON WIJAYA, DOMTAR

Wijaya is an Indonesian businessman and the son of Asia Pulp and Paper Group’s Teguh Wijaya. Under his ownership, Domtar has grown into one of North America’s leading pulp and paper companies, with more than 60 operations and 14,000 employees. With sister organizations Fibre Excellence and Paper Excellence Brazil, Domtar has an estimated annual revenue of US$10 billion. In late 2024, Wijaya inherited sole control of APP, putting him in charge of two of the world’s largest pulp and paper companies, operating on four continents. Though the two groups operate independently, it’s no doubt that Wijaya is set to be a power player on a global scale.

3. LUIGI LAZZARESCHI, SOFIDEL GROUP

Lazzareschi presides over the rapidly emerging tissue producer Sofidel, which now operates a total of 14 facilities across the US, a market that already accounts for 50 percent of the group’s total revenue. This phenomenal growth has been achieved both organically and by acquisition. Currently production capacity in the US is 813,000 metric tpy. An additional 70,000 metric tons will be added with the third paper machine in Circleville, OH, at press time scheduled to start up by the end of August.

4. ANDREW SILVERNAIL, INTERNATIONAL PAPER

Silvernail joined IP as CEO in May 2024 and became BOD chair in October. Previous CEO Mark Sutton, a Power List regular, left big shoes to fill; yet with two decades of experience leading global companies in the manufacturing and technology sectors, Silvernail stepped right in. This past June, IP announced a series of strategic changes to “strengthen its North American operations and better serve customers.” Along with some plant closings, the plan calls for IP to exit the molded fiber business and convert its Reno facility to packaging. This may be overshadowed by the recent groundbreaking for IP’s huge, new, state-of-the-art corrugated box plant in Waterloo, IA.

5. BETO ABREU, SUZANO

In 2024, former CEO Walter Schalka stepped down after 11 years of dynamic leadership that transformed Suzano into the world’s largest market pulp producer. Taking the helm is Alberto Fernandez de Abreu, former CEO of RUMO, one of the region’s largest logistics operators. Abreu has extensive experience in leading M&A transactions. This year, Suzano and K-C announced a joint venture to create a global tissue company operating in over 70 countries. Suzano will hold 51 percent of the joint venture, which will own K-C’s international tissue assets, including 22 manufacturing facilities.

6. ULRIKA KOLSRUD, ESSITY

In May of this year, Kolsrud was appointed CEO of Essity, a global leader in the hygiene sector, succeeding Magnus Groth, who had led the company since 2015. Essity holds a dominant market position with its Tork brand—leading in Europe and ranking second in the US, particularly strong in the food service segment, where it supplies an estimated one in every two paper napkins. The company is also the market leader in Latin America. Kolsrud brings extensive experience across the value chain and has served on Essity’s executive management team since 2015.

7. MASSIMO REYNAUDO, UPM

Reynaudo took over the reins as president and CEO of UPM from Jussi Pesonen in 2024. Having recently released its latest figures for the six months of 2025, it is clear the company has its challenges. Uncertainty in global trade due to tariffs and a weak US dollar has had an impact, particularly on its pulp and communications business. Fortunately, the company has a diverse product offering and its labels in business and biochemicals refining are holding up well. UPM recently announced the end of paper production at its Kaukas mill in Finland, which will reduce annual capacity at the company by 300,000 metric tpy.

8. MICHAEL DOSS, GRAPHIC PACKAGING INT’L.

Doss returns to our list this year ready to start seeing some ROI from GPI’s two recent large-scale mill projects (Kalamazoo, MI, and Waco, TX.) Cost overruns in Waco kicked GPI’s 2025 total capex to US$850 million (from the forecasted US$700 million.) Still, Doss is holding the company steady during what he calls “a highly unusual time,” noting in GPI’s Q2 earnings call that “this has gone on longer than I’ve historically seen.” Doss is a frequent speaker and “face of the industry” at financial conferences.

9. MIKE HSU, KIMBERLY-CLARK

As CEO (since 2019) of consumer goods giant Kimberly-Clark, Hsu helmed K-C’s recent pledge to invest US$2 billion over five years to expand its US manufacturing capacity. The investment will focus on two sites: an advanced manufacturing facility in Warren, OH, and an expansion of a distribution center in SC. Also, in a move Hsu calls “a powerful step forward in the transformation strategy we laid out last year,” in June K-C announced a strategic partnership agreement with Suzano, sharpening K-C’s focus on its higher growth, higher margin businesses.

10. HANS SOHLSTRÖM, STORA ENSO

In its interim report for the first half of 2025, it is clear that Stora Enso is going through a major transition led by Sohlström, who took the helm in 2023. The company has implemented a new leaner, flatter organizational structure, dividing its packaging business into four main areas—foodservice and liquid board, cartonboard, containerboard, and packaging solutions—with a reinforced focus on renewable packaging. Elsewhere, the ramp-up of the new consumer board line at its Oulu site in Finland is on schedule to reach full capacity in 2027.

11. CHEUNG YAN, NINE DRAGONS

Chairlady Cheung Yan has been on our list numerous times over the years, and for good reason. Her company has grown impressively over the decades and that looks set to continue. Despite global economic growth slowing down recently, China’s economy showed a mild turnaround and industry sentiment is beginning to pick up. In its interim report for 2024/2025, the group sales volume increased by 14 percent year-on-year to hit a new record high.

12. MARK KOWLZAN, PCA

Kowlzan has served as Packaging Corp. of America’s chairman since January 2016 and as CEO and a director since July 2010; this past February, he added chairman of the board for the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) to his CV. Yet his most influential role of 2025 may be leading PCA’s agreement to purchase the containerboard business of Greif, Inc. for US$1.8 billion in cash (read more about the deal on page 36.)

13. MARK LUETTERS, GEORGIA-PACIFIC

This spring GP announced that Christian Fischer, president and CEO since 2017, will retire at the end of October. Mark Luetters, current executive VP of Koch, Inc., who oversees several Koch companies (including GP), will continue in that role while stepping in as GP’s president and CEO. Luetters joined Koch in 1989 and GP in 2006, so he brings plenty of experience. Will new leadership change GP? Well, Koch CEO Charles Koch has stated that the firm would go public “over (his) dead body” and that the company enjoys its freedom from the pressures of public markets.

14. ANDREW KING, MONDI

MONDI has also acknowledged a difficult trading environment in 2025; however, the company appears to be navigating choppy waters effectively. According to its half-year results, MONDI delivered a solid EBITDA performance, driven by strong results in its packaging divisions—corrugated packaging rose by 42 percent and flexible packaging by 9 percent. CEO King attributes this success to increased volumes, pricing improvements, and disciplined cost management. Furthermore, MONDI completed its acquisition of Schumacher Packaging’s Western European assets in March 2025.

15. JUSSI VANHANEN, METSÄ GROUP

Vanhanen has big shoes to fill as Ilkka Hämälä, a Power List stalwart, retires. Vanhanen was appointed president and CEO of the Finnish giant in July this year which is known throughout the industry as being one of the key innovators in sustainability and the development of new bioproducts. The new CEO has his work cut out; due to prolonged weak profitability and the uncertain market outlook, Metsä Group is to initiate the planning of a significant cost savings and profit improvement program. The aim of the program is to achieve annual cost savings of approximately EUR 300 million, which are expected to be implemented gradually from 2026.

16. STEVE BINNIE, SAPPI

Global market uncertainty continues to impact key players, including regular Power List member Sappi. CEO Steve Binnie recently noted that Q2 operational performance fell below expectations due to both difficult market conditions and disruptions during maintenance shutdowns. Nevertheless, year-on-year sales volumes held steady, with a modest rebound in packaging and specialty papers, reflecting the long-term strength of these segments. Although graphic paper demand remained subdued, focused market share strategies achieved positive year-on-year results. In response to ongoing macroeconomic pressures, the group has maintained a disciplined approach.

17. LARRY MONTAGUE, TAPPI

As president and CEO, Montague has been passionate about leading TAPPI toward progress. Under his watch, new event formats, member groups, and educational programs keep the association relevant and vital. The real proof of Montague’s forward-thinking leadership may show at the end of 2025, when he retires after 17 years at TAPPI’s helm. Montague has committed to leading a smooth transition and leaving his successor an association that is vibrant, sustainable, and a truly powerful force within our industry.

18. IVAR VATNE, BILLERUD

New to our Power List, Vatne heads up Swedish-headquartered Billerud. The company produces packaging and paper products, primarily for food and industrial applications in Europe and the US. In its latest report for January to June 2025, the company reported excellent results for its North American operations, with 5 percent growth in sales; in Europe, net sales decreased by 3 percent when compared to the last year as consumers held back on spending. “In this challenging operating environment, our philosophy is simple: We continue to relentlessly focus on items we can control,” says Vatne.

19. ANTTI LINDQVIST, FINNISH FOREST PRODUCTS ENGINEERS’ ASSOCIATION (PI)

Lindqvist’s post as CEO of PI earns him a spot on our influence list—PI offers impactful industry support through its Forest BioFacts digital learning platform, and its new policy of free student membership reinforces its commitment to developing young talent. This year also saw Lindqvist’s induction into the Paper Industry Hall of Fame, recognizing his tireless work on industry strategy, enhancing skills, furthering education, and improving the operating conditions of companies throughout the sector.

20. HOWARD COKER, SONOCO

Sonoco is a global packaging innovator with 2024 revenue of US$6.6 billion, and Coker has been leading it into growth since 2020. This year, the company divested its Thermoformed and Flexibles Packaging (TFP) business for about US$1.8 billion, creating what Coker calls “a simpler, stronger, and more sustainable company” focused on its sustainable metal and fiber packaging businesses. Though Q2 earnings showed strongest growth on the Metals side, the editors believe that further investment in fiber packaging may come.

21. JEAN-MICHEL RIBIÉRAS, SYLVAMO

In April, Sylvamo announced that Ribiéras—chairman and CEO since its startup in 2022—will retire at the end of 2025. So what earned him a spot on this year’s Power List? There is no doubt Ribiéras has made a difference in the industry landscape by firmly branding Sylvamo as “the world’s paper company,” with a solid balance sheet and an environmental record of continuous improvement. This year’s US$145 million investment in the company’s Eastover and Sumter, SC, mills establishes forward momentum before John Sims, current senior VP and CFO, takes the reins as CEO.

22. DONALD TRUMP, POTUS

It is difficult to be neutral when it comes to US politics—but even the most partisan among us will acknowledge that White House tariff policies have thrown a measure of uncertainty into international supply chains. Beefing with Canada is not a comfortable position for US forest products manufacturers; plus, market fluctuations can be hard on companies with tight margins. If tariffs have their hoped-for effect (boosting domestic production) the industry could fare well—but “power” doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome.

23-28: YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

Innovation is power, even for young professionals. The International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) recently announced the 2024-2025 Blue Sky Young Researchers and Professionals Awards, honoring global innovation in forestry and forest products. The three European honorees are:

• François Bru (France)—Project: An all-cellulose barrier material for the development of recyclable and biodegradable food packaging solutions.
• Brendon de Raad (Netherlands)—Project: Towards a Sustainable Dutch Paper Industry: The Application of Heat Pumps.
• Dr. Titta Kiiskinen (Finland) Young Researcher Award—Research subject: Air Filtering—With Sustainable Materials.

We also asked members of TAPPI’s Young Professionals Division to share names of a few North American YPs that they admired as “power players” in their fields. Their choices are:

• Alex Fleck, Graphic Packaging International: As assistant superintendent of the K2 machine in GPI’s new Kalamazoo facility, Fleck has been heavily involved with the start-up and operation of this state-of-the-art machine.
• Brady Hunnicutt, Westlake Chemical: A technical service engineer, Hunnicutt participated in the pilot of the TAPPI International Flexible Packaging and Extrusion Division (IFPED) YP Technical Leadership Development Program; he is now helping to grow the program for other YPs.
• Jaclyn Epstein, Mica Corporation: As COO, Epstein represents the third generation of the Seigel family helping lead Mica, a leading manufacturer of innovative water-based primers and coatings, since its founding. She also spearheaded the IFPED YP Technical Leadership Development Program.

29-33: SUSTAINABLE BIOMATERIALS/BIOENERGY

For pulp, paper, and packaging producers, sustainability isn’t a goal—it is table stakes for the future. Here are five individuals (listed alphabetically) furthering the development and adoption of sustainable biomaterials:

• Masood Akhtar: CleanTech Partners and Biorenewable Deployment Consortium: BDC is dedicated to helping the forest products industry use leading-edge bioprocesses to wring value from their biomass streams; CleanTech works in partnership with manufacturers to accelerate the commercialization of energy-saving technologies. As co-founder of both, Akhtar is a powerhouse in the energy efficiency and renewables arena, with the knowledge and the contacts to get things done.
• Ewellyn Capanema, RISE: Dr. Capanema is a Ph.D. in chemistry and has twenty-plus years of experience in biobased product development, including pulping and biorefinery fundamentals and technologies. She is an adjunct professor in the Department of Forest Biomaterials at North Carolina State University; a member of the TAPPI JOURNAL editorial board; and an active, organizing participant in TAPPI’s Lignin Consortium action group (see below.)
• Wadood Y. Hamad, Ph.D., Seprify AG (Switzerland): As chief technology officer, Dr. Hamad leads efforts to scale up production of cellulose particles and hybrid materials, including a flagship product, cellulose white pigment. He also works to develop applications in a multitude of sectors spanning foods, pharma/nutraceuticals, cosmetics, paints, coatings, and organic electronics. He received TAPPI’s 2025 Gunnar Nicholson Gold Medal in recognition of exceptional industry contributions.
• Katariina Kemppainen, Metsä Spring: Kemppainen is SVP, Group R&D for this future-focused innovation company within Metsä Group, leading the charge to find new purposes and higher value for Nordic wood. Late last year, Metsä Spring began pre-commercial sales of Muoto, its three-dimensional, wood-based packaging solution; this year, the group starts pre-engineering the first commercial production facility for Kuura textile fiber, produced from softwood pulp.
• Kim Nelson, GranBio: As chief technology officer, Nelson’s decade of innovation experience spans every phase from ideation through product development, scale-up, commercialization, and beyond. It’s perfect fit for GranBio, which just signed an MoU with Rayonier Advanced Materials Inc. to jointly explore the development of a small-scale commercial cellulosic Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) facility co-located at RYAM’s Jesup, GA, site. Nelson also brings her innovative leadership to TAPPI as chair of the BOD.

34-36: WOMEN IN INDUSTRY

As one of TAPPI’s most dynamic divisions, Women in Industry (WIN) works toward a competitive, diverse industry that offers long-term, fulfilling careers where women and men work synergistically. We asked WIN leaders for the names of female professionals who exemplify that goal.

• Lu Athnos, ABB: Her 27-year career in pulp and paper has led to a post as ABB’s regional sales manager for the entire US East Coast, where she daily shows her passion for the industry and for helping customers. Athnos is also an active member of TAPPI and WIN, where she serves as a role model for younger women in engineering.
• Margaret Gorog, Houghton Cascade Holdings: Gorog has provided materials engineering support to the pulp and paper industry for 35 years, covering corrosion control, materials selection, inspection, welding and failure analysis; assisting with mill maintenance outages has been a career focus. She is very active in TAPPI, a TAPPI Fellow, TIP Coordinator for the Plant Engineering and Project Management Committee, as was named one of WIN’s 2025 Women of the Year.
• Elizabeth Wilson, Valmet: Currently director, Tissue Services, North America, Wilson joined Valmet as part of the Körber acquisition and leads the team at the Green Bay, WI, Tissue Converting facility. She is a dynamic leader recognized for her strategic vision and deep expertise in tissue manufacturing technologies. She has spearheaded initiatives that improve operational performance, enhance sustainability, and deliver measurable value to customers.

37-46: SUPPLIER INNOVATIONS

In this section we highlight (in alphabetical order, by company) 10 of the latest and greatest innovations from the vendor community supporting our illustrious industry.

ANDRITZ: PRIMELINEHYTAD

The PrimeLineHyTAD is specifically designed for fiber- and energy-saving production of premium tissue products such as kitchen towels, bathroom tissue, and facial tissues. Andritz states that the HyTAD process can save up to 25 percent in fiber compared to traditional dry crepe tissue machines, and up to 50 percent in energy compared to structured TAD tissue machines. These savings significantly reduce production costs and meet current market demands for environmental protection and sustainability. The first installation of the technology recently took place at Chongqing Longjing in China, where the machine operates at a speed of up to 1,500 m/m per minute and has a width of 2.85 meters.

BOSTON DYNAMICS: SPOT THE ROBOT DOG

Did Spot make the list because it’s very, very cool? Maybe. Is Spot also changing the way we think about industrial robotics for pulp, paper, and tissue production? Definitely. Highly customizable, Spot can collect data about a mill’s critical assets in places that workers can’t safely access, conduct autonomous rounds and readings to monitor asset condition, detect warning signs like hot spots or leaks, and integrates directly with a mill’s existing Enterprise Asset Management solution. And if you’ve seen him wandering around at TAPPICon you know that Spot is also very, very cool.

BTG: MEASURING CHEMICAL ADDITIVE DEMAND OF FIBERS

Voith company BTG has introduced the SZP-16, a new laboratory instrument designed to accurately measure the chemical additive demand of fibers in paper production. This compact, portable, and user-friendly device enhances BTG’s lab instruments portfolio by providing precise Zeta potential measurements, offering critical insights into fiber-additive interactions. These insights support more informed decision-making and drive operational efficiency. Its portability allows for convenient on-site use, making it a valuable tool for optimizing chemical usage and reducing production costs in papermaking processes.

CONFORMiT: JOHNNY, THE AI EHS EXPERT

Already a leader in Lock Out-Tag Out software, CONFORMiT now offers Johnny, its new Conversational-AI EHS Specialist. Johnny can access the latest trusted EHS research and academic insights—including peer-reviewed studies, white papers, and the most recent standards and local regulations. Johnny offers limitless expertise and data-driven insights anytime, anywhere, to support safety and EHS compliance.

PULPAC: PAPER-BASED CLOSURE FOR ASEPTIC PACKAGING

Specialty packaging producer SIG has entered a strategic partnership with PulPac, creator of Dry Molded Fiber technology, to develop and scale the next generation of paper-based closures for aseptic carton packaging. The idea stands to significantly reduce plastic use by introducing fully fiber-based caps and bases that perform as well as plastic alternatives. Between SIG’s post-application technology and the design flexibility of Dry Molded Fiber, this is the kind of small product that can have a big impact on how consumers think of fiber-based packaging solutions.

TIMBER HP: WOOD PULP INSULATION

Born in Madison, ME, Timber HP transformed the town’s shuttered paper mill into the first North American manufacturing facility for wood fiber insulation. Available in three configurations (batt, board, and fill) the product uses wood residuals (the same fiber stream that closed mills might use) to deliver high performance, along with health and safety benefits, while expanding what sustainability can mean for construction in the US.

TOSCOTEC: WORLD’S FIRST FULLY ELECTRIC TISSUE MACHINE

Toscotec has successfully started up the world’s first fully electric tissue machine at Fortissue’s Viana do Castelo mill in Portugal. Following a major upgrade, PM1—originally launched in 2015 as part of the AHEAD 2.0 line—now operates entirely on electricity at 2,000 m/min. Toscotec installed a fully electric air system featuring an e-powered TT Hood with multi-stage heat recovery. The TT Swing offers flexible operation modes, while the TT Turbodryer enhances dewatering and dryness using recovered heat. Additionally, the new TT SteamBooster supplies 100 percent of the steam required by the TT SYD through advanced exhaust heat recovery and electric steam generation.

VALMET: WORLD’S FIRST FULLY WEB-BASED DCS WITH ISASECURE SSA CYBERSECURITY COMPLIANCE

Valmet has achieved a key milestone in industrial cybersecurity with its Valmet DNAe Distributed Control System (DCS), the first fully web-based system to earn the ISASecure System Security Assurance (SSA) Level 1 certification. Independent assessment by exida confirms compliance with the stringent ISA/IEC 62443-3-3 standard. The system’s reference architecture was rigorously evaluated and tested to meet defined network and component requirements. Introduced in 2024, Valmet DNAe offers a forward-looking approach to cybersecurity, helping organizations address dynamic threats.

VOITH: INFINITY + GREEN RECYCLABLE PRESS FELTS

This innovative recycling concept for press felts—which Voith says can reduce specific carbon footprint by up to 31 percent—has been designed in partnership with Aquafil, a pioneer in PA 6 recycling. The concept relies on the homogeneity of the product combined with chemical recycling through depolymerization. For felt production, Voith uses only green electricity, which is partly generated by the company’s own hydropower plant.

VTT: FOLD and FOLD2 “ORIGAMI” PACKAGING

VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, in collaboration with Aalto University and Finnish industrial partners, has developed a new technology for shaping cardboard in a unique continuous process to create reel-to-reel, origami-inspired structures for fiber-based packaging materials. Beautiful, functional, durable, and infinitely malleable, the effort involved 13 different companies, organizations, and universities at various stages—and pushes the idea of what paper packaging can do.

47-50: TAPPI

While not a direct supplier to the industry, TAPPI (which publishes Paper360°) continues to play a vital role in industry innovation. We wrap up our list with the editors’ four favorite new initiatives launched in 2025:

• Lignin Consortium: An online, open discussion forum in spring 2025 drew wide interest, as did an in-person session following TAPPICon this past June. The group continues to explore ways TAPPI can help disprove the saying “you can make anything from lignin except money.” Look for a future committee to keep the conversation going.
• Fiber Molding Committee: TAPPI’s Paper and Board Division launched the Fiber Molding Committee (FMC), dedicated to advancing molded fiber and thermoformed pulp products. The FMC will develop standardized test methods to ensure consistent evaluation of form, function, and performance. These efforts aim to enhance understanding, optimize operations, and support the effective use of fiber molding machines and related equipment.
• TAPPI Nano is now ARM: The Nanotechnology Division’s evolution into the Advanced Renewable Materials Division (ARM) is a broadening step for a group that has been supporting knowledge-sharing in the nanotech sector for almost 10 years. In 2026, ARM will further widen its scope when it brings its technical expertise to TAPPICon in Columbus, OH.
• Workforce Development Leaders Group: At press time, TAPPI was just beginning to establish a new initiative to tackle what may be our industry’s most critical need (learn more on page 17.) No organization is better equipped to connect industry schools with training and safety professionals from manufacturers and suppliers.