David Duncan Appointed as President and CEO of Georgia-Pacific
Leadership Transition at Georgia-Pacific
Georgia-Pacific, a prominent Atlanta-based manufacturing firm known for its enduring legacy in consumer products, has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of David Duncan as President and CEO. Effective immediately, this transition marks a new chapter for the nearly century-old company that has been a staple in the manufacturing industry.
David Duncan's appointment comes as he succeeds Mark Luetters, who temporarily led the company since 2025. Duncan's extensive tenure at Georgia-Pacific, which began in 2018, has seen him take on critical leadership roles, most recently serving as the executive vice president of the consumer products group.
With over 28 years of experience accumulated across various divisions at Koch Industries, Duncan brings a wealth of knowledge to his new position. His career trajectory includes significant roles in financial management and operational strategy, equipping him with a holistic understanding of the business's intricate dynamics. Before joining Georgia-Pacific, Duncan was the president of performance solutions at INVISTA, further enhancing his credibility in leading Georgia-Pacific forward.
In conjunction with this change, Vivek Joshi has been promoted to executive vice president of the consumer products business. Starting his journey at Georgia-Pacific in 2002 as a marketing manager, Joshi has a robust history of driving growth and innovation within the company's well-known brands, such as Angel Soft®, Brawny®, and Quilted Northern®, to name a few. His promotion underscores the company's commitment to internal talent development and highlights the importance of continuity in leadership.
Duncan expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude upon his appointment, stating, "I'm honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead an organization full of talented and dedicated people who work together across Georgia-Pacific to deliver results every day." His heartfelt acknowledgment of Joshi expectedly sets a tone of collaboration and shared vision within the company, a sentiment echoed throughout various internal communications.
Georgia-Pacific has long been a leader in manufacturing and marketing essential products including bath tissue, paper towels, and tableware, operating more than 150 facilities and employing around 30,000 people directly. The company has substantial influence in the market, not only through its consumer-focused products but also via its extensive recycling operations which rank among the largest worldwide in trading paper, metals, and plastics.
As the company heads into its next phase under Duncan’s leadership, both he and Joshi are tasked with navigating the challenges posed by an evolving market, consumer preferences, and sustainability goals. The commitment to innovation and excellence, as demonstrated by Georgia-Pacific’s history, will likely serve as a guiding principle for the new executives. Future initiatives are anticipated to focus on enhancing product quality, driving sustainable practices, and expanding the company’s footprint in the industry.
This leadership change signals a renewed commitment to maintaining the company’s strong foundation while pursuing strategic growth and adapting to changing consumer needs. Through Duncan’s leadership and Joshi’s support, Georgia-Pacific appears well-positioned to continue its legacy of success for years to come.