#United States #Atlanta #Georgia-Pacific #Ad Age #Laura Knebusch

Laura Knebusch of Georgia-Pacific Acknowledged as a Leading Woman

In a remarkable recognition of her leadership and marketing expertise, Laura Knebusch, Senior Vice President of CPG Marketing & Customer Experience at Georgia-Pacific, has been celebrated as one of Ad Age's Leading Women for 2026. This annual recognition shines a spotlight on executives making significant contributions to their industries, and Knebusch's achievements are a testament to her impact in the marketing realm.

Knebusch has been instrumental in fortifying Georgia-Pacific’s market presence and the growth trajectory of its extensive portfolio, which includes well-known brands like Angel Soft®, Quilted Northern®, Brawny®, Sparkle®, Vanity Fair®, and Dixie®. Under her leadership, the marketing organization has thrived, showing resilience in a fast-evolving marketplace.

Leading a diverse team of over 80 professionals in marketing, media, analytics, and consumer experience, Knebusch orchestrates the strategy that drives the success of Georgia-Pacific's multi-billion-dollar brand portfolio. Her efforts have not only improved brand positioning but have also enhanced consumer engagement across the complete range of products.

One of the highlights of Knebusch's leadership in the past year has been the integration of AI-driven tools across various facets of business, including creative development and media optimization. This strategic pivot not only accelerates digital marketing initiatives but also greatly enhances the customer experience, a critical factor in today's competitive market.

The successes of Knebusch’s initiatives are reflected in the accolades received by Georgia-Pacific's brands. Notably, the “Potty-tunity” campaign for Angel Soft® won both Gold and Silver Cannes Lions awards, while Quilted Northern®'s “Keep It Quilted” campaign secured the Grand Prize in Media Excellence at the ANA In-House Agency Conference. Additionally, Brawny® has been recognized by Fast Company as one of the Brands That Matter, nodding towards the impactful consumer insights and innovative strategies employed.

Fernando Gonzalez, president of Georgia-Pacific Foodservice Solutions, commended Knebusch's leadership, stating, “Laura is an exceptional leader whose vision has transformed not only our marketing organization but how our brands connect with consumers. She has built a modern marketing organization that embraces innovation, develops outstanding talent, and continually looks for ways to grow our brands and serve our customers.”

Knebusch's journey with Georgia-Pacific commenced in 2008, and since then, she has ascended through various leadership roles focusing on brand management, shopper marketing, and consumer experience, ultimately being appointed as SVP of CPG Marketing & Customer Experience in 2023. Her commitment to a consumer-first approach fosters a collaborative, curious, and continuously enhancing marketing culture.

Reflecting on her recent recognition, Knebusch expressed gratitude for her talented team’s contribution, stating, “What makes this recognition especially meaningful is that it reflects the incredible work of our talented teams across Georgia-Pacific. Every day, they bring fresh ideas, challenge us to think differently, and find new ways to connect with consumers. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside them.”

The honor will culminate in an awards luncheon in New York this October, where the 2026 Ad Age Leading Women honorees will be recognized.

About Georgia-Pacific

Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific is a leading manufacturer and marketer of bath tissue, paper towels, napkins, and various other consumer products. With a robust lineup of recognized brands, Georgia-Pacific combines innovative practices with a commitment to sustainability while employing around 30,000 people directly, contributing significantly to the economy and job market. For more information about Georgia-Pacific, visit gp.com/about-us.