JSE-listed Sappi on Monday announced the appointment of Michael Haws as president and CEO of Sappi North America, effective October 1.
Haws, who is currently Sappi North America manufacturing VP, will succeed Mark Gardner, who will retire at the end of September, following 12 years in his position.
“I would like to thank Mark for his sterling service to Sappi over 38 years and for the support he has shown me as CEO.
“He is an exemplary leader, both for the company and for the industry. His tenure saw massive changes as we restructured and refocused the business, a task he embraced and has executed with aplomb,” said Sappi CEO Steve Binnie.
Haws joined Sappi in 2012 as MD of the Somerset mill before being promoted to North America manufacturing VP in October 2015 with responsibility for the Somerset,
Westbrook and Cloquet mills; the Allentown sheeting facility; safety, research and development; and customer care.
“I am pleased that we are able to ensure a smooth transition in leadership from Mark to Mike. Mike is an experienced industry leader who has been integral to the development and execution of Sappi’s 2020 Vision and the investments we have made in North America to grow our dissolving wood pulp and packaging and specialities businesses,” Binnie noted.
He expressed his confidence that, under Haws’ leadership, the business would capitalise on the opportunities for the pulp and paper industry in North America.
“The appointment is testimony to the success of Sappi’s strong succession planning processes and the importance we place on stability and continuity during any such leadership transition,” said Binnie.