"In 2024, I will have served UPM as CEO for 20 years and spent a total of 37 years with the company." says Jussi Pesonen. Born in 1960, Jussi Pesonen will retire in 2024, handing over his position at the head of the 17,000-strong group.
"The announcement of my departure is to ensure the success of strategic growth initiatives as well as business performance over the next several years." The CEO of the Nasdaq Helsinki-listed group refers in particular to the project for a new Paso de los Toros pulp mill in Uruguay, which is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2023, and the construction of the biochemicals refinery in Leuna, Germany, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
In 2021, the Group's 17,000 employees generated sales of EUR 9.8 billion in its six main businesses: UPM Pulp (pulp production), UPM Energy (electricity), UPM Raflatac (self-adhesive label materials), UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers (graphic papers) and UPM Plywood (plywood and veneer products). It has about 50 factories in 12 countries (including one in France, UPM Raflatac in Nancy, Meurthe-et-Moselle).
"Jussi has done and continues to do a fantastic job for UPM, for which we are truly grateful. We knew this day would come, but nevertheless regret his decision." said Björn Wahlroos, Chairman of the Board of UPM.
Jussi Pesonen is also vice-chairman of the board of the Finnish Federation of Forest Industries (FFIF), a member of the board of the East Office of Finnish Industries and a member of the board of the European Confederation of Paper Industries (CEPI).
