International Paper (Memphis, Tennessee), a leading global producer of renewable fibre-based packaging, pulp and paper, has named its first-ever Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) “as it prepares to advance its contributions to the circular economy.” Sophie Beckham will lead the company’s recently announced Vision 2030 initaives, which the company said demonstrates its commitment to building a better future for people, the planet and the company. Beckham joined International Paper in 2013 to manage the firm’s forest stewardship and sustainability efforts. “Customers, investors and employees depend on us to be leaders in environmental stewardship and to strengthen our people and communities. Appointing a chief sustainability officer is the next step in our continuing progress,” said Mark Sutton, International Paper’s Chairman and CEO. “Sophie is uniquely qualified to lead the pursuit of our Vision 2030 goals and drive sustainability efforts that create value for all of our stakeholders.”
Beckham will lead the development and execution of the company’s sustainability strategies, including efforts to integrate its Vision 2030 goals into the strategic, operating, people and financial plans across the company’s worldwide businesses. Through these goals, International Paper will advance its contributions to the circular, low-carbon economy while building on its commitments to its people and communities. “For more than 120 years, forest stewardship has been at the core of how we have operated our company,” said Beckham. “Today, we recognize the broader role we can play in advancing sustainable outcomes – both environmental and social. This is an important time for International Paper, and I’m extremely excited to amplify our ambition to be among the most successful, sustainable and responsible companies in the world.”