International Paper Welcomes New Members to Its Board of Directors

International Paper Announces Board Changes

International Paper, listed on both the New York Stock Exchange and the London Stock Exchange as NYSE: IP and LSE: IPC, has made significant enhancements to its governance structure. The company joyfully announces the induction of Katherine Collins and Lori J. Ryerkerk into its Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2026. This strategic move is set to strengthen IP's leadership capabilities as it charts its future in sustainable and innovative packaging solutions.

Katherine Collins

Katherine Collins brings a wealth of experience in asset management and sustainable investing to the table. Having dedicated over thirty years to the financial sector, Collins has a distinguished history of leadership. Most notably, she served as the first Head of Sustainable Investing at Putnam Investments, where she was instrumental in creating a sustainable investment platform that ranks among the top in the U.S., boasting over $10 billion in assets.

Before her tenure at Putnam, she excelled in various senior investment roles at Fidelity, managing significant portfolios including equity research for mutual funds worth over $500 billion. Beyond her corporate endeavors, Collins is the founder and CEO of Honeybee Capital Foundation, and the author of The Nature of Investing, which underscores her commitment to responsible investing. Her academic credentials include a master's degree in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School, alongside a bachelor’s degree with honors in economics and Japanese studies from Wellesley College.

Lori J. Ryerkerk

On the other hand, Lori J. Ryerkerk comes with an impressive background in the energy, chemicals, and specialty materials industries, accruing over four decades of executive and board-level experience. As a former Chairman, President, and CEO of Celanese Corporation, Ryerkerk led the organization through transformative changes, including an $11 billion acquisition of DuPont's Mobility Materials sector and various sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing environmental impact.

Her earlier career saw her occupy leadership roles in manufacturing and operations at prestigious companies such as Shell, Hess, and ExxonMobil, where she was responsible for major operations in refining and chemical manufacturing. Ryerkerk currently serves on several other boards, including Norfolk Southern, Cencora, and Eaton. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Iowa State University.

Leadership Perspectives

Andy Silvernail, CEO and Chairman of the Board at International Paper, expressed great enthusiasm regarding the new appointments. He stated, "Lori and Katherine each bring exceptional leadership experience and a proven ability to help guide organizations through complexity and change. Lori's operational expertise and public company leadership, coupled with Katherine's investment background and governance insight, will significantly enhance our Board's capacity."

Additionally, two veteran board members, Dr. Kathryn Sullivan and Ahmet C. Dorduncu, will retire at the end of 2026. Dr. Sullivan has been an integral part of the IP board since 2017, while Dorduncu has contributed since 2011. Silvernail extended gratitude to both for their service and valuable contributions over the years.

About International Paper

International Paper is a leader in the sustainable packaging industry, dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that facilitate thriving partnerships with customers across varied sectors. With a legacy of excellence, the company continues to prioritize responsible business practices and sustainability in its core operations, reflecting its commitment to creating lasting value in an ever-evolving marketplace. For more information, please visit internationalpaper.com.