Francesca Stevens has been appointed CEO of CEPI, the European Confederation of Paper Industries. Appointed last September by the board of directors of the Brussels-based trade association, Francesca Stevens succeeds Jori Ringman, who has held the position since 2019.
The new executive director is familiar with the inner workings of European institutions. Since 2020, Francesca Stevens has served as secretary general of Europen, the European packaging and environment organization. This association, which brings together the national associations of the European pulp and paper industry, represents the various links in the packaging value chain, from raw material producers to packaging manufacturers and users.
25 years of experience in professional organizations
Francesca Stevens has 25 years of experience representing industry interests before European institutions. Before joining Europen, she held various executive positions at Arconic and Alcoa, two companies in the aluminum industry.
A graduate of the University of Turin with a degree in political science and international relations, the CEO of Cepi also holds a master's degree in European studies from the College of Europe in Warsaw.
Energy and Competitiveness at the Heart of the Issues
This appointment comes at a time marked by several industrial challenges for European paper manufacturers. Decarbonizing production processes, securing access to competitively priced energy, and evolving European regulations are among the key issues the new CEO will need to address.
The role of the paper industry in the circular bioeconomy is also an important topic in discussions with European institutions.
"The European pulp and paper industry has everything it needs to play a leading role in the circular bioeconomy" , says Francesca Stevens. In particular, she plans to focus on the sector's competitiveness and its role in European industrial policy.
Henrik Sjölund, president of Cepi and CEO of the Swedish paper manufacturer Holmen, highlights Francesca Stevens?s knowledge of European policies and industrial value chains.
The executive director, who will oversee a secretariat of 24 people, will work with a board of directors composed of representatives from national associations and executives from pulp and paper manufacturers.
