International Paper Announces Spinoff Name, Board of Directors

International Paper announced Sylvamo Corporation as the name of its global papers spinoff, with headquarters planned for Memphis, TN.

The name Sylvamo speaks to the company’s connection to trees and highlights its role as a steward of sustainable forests. Sylvamo combines the Latin words for forest, “silva,” and love, “amo.” Company leaders translate this combination as “love of forests.”

Sylvamo, currently a subsidiary of International Paper, will be governed by a nine-member board with eight independent directors. Jean-Michel Ribiéras, GVP, Global Papers, will serve as the company’s chairman and CEO.

Each director will bring significant talent and experience, including expertise in basic materials, spinoffs, finance, strategy, human resources, international operations, legal and senior leadership roles.
• Stan Askren spent the majority of his 36-year career at HNI Corporation, where he served as chairman, president and CEO. He also serves on the boards of Allison Transmission Holdings and Armstrong World Industries.
• Christine Breves currently serves as senior vice president and CFO of United States Steel. During her 43-year career, she served in a variety of senior executive roles and has extensive experience in procurement, supply chain, manufacturing and business transformation.
• Jeanmarie Desmond retired from DuPont de Nemours, Inc. in 2020 after a 31-year career. She most recently served as EVP and CFO. Desmond also serves on the boards of IPG Photonics and Trinseo.
• Lizanne Gottung retired from Kimberly-Clark Corporation in 2017 after a 36-year career. She served as chief human resources officer for 15 years. Gottung also serves on the board of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation.
• Joia Johnson spent a substantial portion of her 36-year career with Hanesbrands Inc. before retiring this year. She served as chief administrative officer, general counsel and corporate secretary, and in other executive leadership roles. Johnson also serves on the boards of Global Payments, Inc. and Regions Financial Corporation.
• David Petratis currently serves as chairman, president and CEO of Allegion plc, where he led the company’s spinoff in 2013. He has extensive experience in manufacturing and operations, global commercial markets and strategy developent, serving in a variety of leadership positions throughout his 40-year career.
• Jean-Michel Ribiéras currently serves as SVP, Global Papers, at International Paper, where he spent the majority of his 35-year paper and packaging career. He will serve as Sylvamo’s chairman and CEO.
• Paul Rollinson currently serves as president and CEO of Kinross Gold, where he also serves on the company’s board. He has extensive international experience in mining, forestry, power and utilities and industrial sectors during his 30-year career.
• James Zallie currently serves as president and CEO of Ingredion, where he also serves on the company’s board. He has extensive operating, manufacturing and leadership experience throughout his 38-year career.

“We believe it is critical to have a world-class board of directors as we set off on our mission to transform renewable resources into papers that people depend on for education, communication and entertainment,” Ribiéras said. “We are proud of the talented, experienced and diverse team that will guide us as an independent company.”

In December 2020, International Paper announced plans to spin its global papers business into a separate, publicly traded company in late 2021. The spinoff is subject to final approval by the International Paper board of directors.

Sylvamo will employ approximately 7,000 colleagues in Europe, Latin America and North America.