May 24, 2017 – Sappi North America, producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, has announced plans to combine two key business units, Packaging and Release, along with three notable personnel promotions.
Tom Collins leaves the paper industry and Sappi’s Release business after a successful career spanning over four decades. Since joining the Lead Team in 2013, the Release Business has improved its operational efficiencies and expanded its offerings far beyond its traditional business, including the introduction of the Neoterix ST bacteria-resistant products, explains the company.
With Collins’ departure, formerly VP Coated Paper & Packaging business, Deece Hannigan will now serve as the vice president for the newly expanded Packaging and Specialties business. In his new role, Hannigan will maintain his leadership of the Packaging, Supply Chain and Inside Sales groups, while assuming accountability for the Specialties Business, including Release. Since joining Sappi in 1988, he has held a range of positions in Sales Management, Marketing and Technical Specialties.
Rick Skoglund, formerly director, Coated Sheet Grades, will join the Lead Team as VP Coated Business, where he will be responsible for the growth of the Coated Graphics Business. He has held various marketing and brand management roles with increasing responsibility at several companies, including Welch’s, High Liner Foods and then Sappi when he joined the company in early 2015.
Meanwhile, Beth Cormier, VP of Research, Development and Innovation, will have expanded responsibilities to include Coated Paper, Packaging and Specialties Paper to capture efficiencies and more closely align research and development capabilities regionally and globally. She bring more than 30 years with the company in R&D and marketing roles, and has been leading the R&D group since 2007.
“While we’re sad to see Tom go, we’re thankful for the 25 years of dedication, innovation and leadership he gave us,” said Mark Gardner, president and CEO of Sappi North America. “Tom’s contribution has helped us position ourselves to grow and expand. The future is exciting, and we are confident that this combination of our Release and Packaging businesses, together with the increased leadership of Deece, Rick and Beth, will only make it stronger.”
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