Stora Enso Restructures Leadership Team Ahead of Strategic Changes
Leadership Changes at Stora Enso: A New Era Begins
Stora Enso, a global leader in renewable products, is making pivotal changes to its Group Leadership Team in preparation for a strategic reorganization set to take effect on January 1, 2026. As part of these changes, the company aims to enhance its strategic focus and operational efficiency, particularly with the planned demerger of its forest business slated for 2027.
Appointments to Leadership Roles
Tuomas Hallenberg - President and CEO of Swedish Forest Business
Tuomas Hallenberg has been appointed as the President and CEO of Stora Enso's Swedish forest business. Hallenberg brings a wealth of experience to this role, having joined Stora Enso in 2024 as the Executive Vice President of Forest. His background includes extensive experience within the forest industry, previously serving as the Senior Vice President of Property Development and Renewables at Metsähallitus, Finland's national forest company.
With both a Master of Science degree in Forestry and an MBA, Hallenberg has a solid academic background to complement his practical experience. As he transitions into this new position, he will conclude his current responsibilities within the Group Leadership Team by the end of 2025 and will continue to report directly to Hans Sohlström, the President and CEO of Stora Enso.
Pauli Torikka - Executive Vice President of Wood and Energy
In a significant move, Pauli Torikka has been named the Executive Vice President of a new Wood and Energy business area, which will come into existence on January 1, 2026. Torikka, who joined Stora Enso in 2020, currently serves as the Senior Vice President for Wood Supply within the Forest business area. His previous leadership roles at UPM have equipped him with the expertise needed to foster growth in this new sector.
Torikka holds a Master of Science degree in Forest Economics and Wood Technology, along with an eMBA, positioning him uniquely to lead initiatives in wood sourcing, trading, and energy-related operations.
Lars Völkel - Executive Vice President of Containerboard
Another vital appointment is Lars Völkel as Executive Vice President of Containerboard, effective from January 1, 2026. Having previously served as the Executive Vice President of Wood Products since joining Stora Enso in 2020, Völkel's expertise will be crucial as he takes over for Hannu Kasurinen, who is set to retire after 32 years with the company.
Strategic Directions
The establishment of the new Wood and Energy business area reflects Stora Enso's commitment to expanding its renewable resources and maximizing efficiency across its operations. This area will not only oversee wood sourcing and trading but will also manage the energy business and consolidate the Central European sawmilling operations under one umbrella.
Hans Sohlström praised the newly appointed executives, emphasizing their expertise and leadership as essential components of Stora Enso's ongoing transformation. He also expressed gratitude towards Hannu Kasurinen, acknowledging his instrumental role in guiding the company throughout his tenure.
As the Group Leadership Team undergoes these changes, it will consist of:
- - Hans Sohlström, President and CEO
- - Niclas Rosenlew, CFO
- - Micaela Thorström, EVP People and Legal, General Counsel
- - Tobias Bäärnman, EVP Strategy and Sustainability
- - Andreas Birmoser, EVP Cartonboard
- - Markku Luoto, EVP Foodservice and Liquid Board
- - Lars Völkel, EVP Containerboard
- - Carolyn Wagner, EVP Packaging Solutions
- - Johanna Hagelberg, EVP Biomaterials
- - Pauli Torikka, EVP Wood and Energy
Conclusion
Stora Enso's restructuring reflects its proactive approach to future challenges and opportunities in the renewable sector. With an emphasis on strategic efficiency and leadership continuity, the company is poised for growth and innovation in the coming years, highlighting its commitment to being a front-runner in sustainable practices. As Stora Enso embarks on this new chapter, the focus will be on leveraging its expertise to enhance its position as a global leader in renewable solutions.
For any inquiries regarding these developments, please contact:
- - Hanna Rutanen, SVP Communications
- - Investor Relations: Jutta Mikkola, SVP Investor Relations
Topics General Business）
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