International Paper Names its First Chief Sustainability Officer

International Paper, a leading producer of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper, has appointed its first chief sustainability officer. Sophie Beckham was promoted to the position and will lead the company’s recently announced Vision 2030 sustainability goals, which demonstrates the company’s “commitment to building a better future for people, the planet and the company.”

“Customers, investors and employees depend on us to be leaders in environmental stewardship and to strengthen our people and communities; appointing a chief sustainability officer is the next step in our continuing progress," said Mark Sutton, chairman and CEO of International Paper. "Sophie is uniquely qualified to lead the pursuit of our Vision 2030 goals and drive sustainability efforts that create value for all of our stakeholders."

Beckham joined International Paper in 2013 to manage the company's forest stewardship and sustainability efforts. She previously spent almost seven years at Ikea Group in various roles as a forestry manager and forestry coordinator.

As chief sustainability officer, she will “lead the development and execution of the company's sustainability strategy, including efforts to integrate the Vision 2030 goals into the strategic, operating, people and financial plans across the company's global businesses,” the company said in a statement.