The Board of Cepi, the Confederation of European Paper Industries, has appointed Francesca Stevens as its next Director General. An experienced European industry advocate, she takes up the position on 28 September succeeding Jori Ringman, who has led the association since 2019.
Stevens joins Cepi from EUROPEN, the European Organisation for Packaging and the Environment, where she has served as Secretary General since 2020. During her tenure, she has represented a complex, cross-sectoral value chain comprising raw-material producers, packaging manufacturers and users. In Brussels, Stevens is a recognised advocate, active on some of the EU's most important policy debates, notably sustainability, circularity, competitiveness and the Single Market.
She brings to Cepi her 25 years of experience in leading European industry organisations. Prior to EUROPEN, Stevens held senior leadership roles at Arconic and Alcoa. She holds a degree in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Turin and a master’s degree in European Studies from the College of Europe in Warsaw.
Stevens’ appointment comes at an important moment for Europe’s pulp and paper industry.As the sector advances its transition towards energy decarbonisation and capitalises on an increased recognition of the circular bioeconomy in EU policymaking, it must also navigate the challenges of global industrial competitiveness, secure access to competitively priced energy, and respond to a rapidly evolving EU regulatory environment.
Stevens will lead Cepi’s Brussels-based secretariat staff of 24, and work with its members, the sector’s national associations, to represent the European pulp and paper industry before the EU Institutions and other stakeholders. Cepi is governed by a Board comprising representatives of national associations and chief executives from leading companies in the sector.
Quote by Francesca Stevens, Cepi Director General “It is a great honour to be entrusted with leading Cepi. Europe’s pulp and paper industry has everything it takes to lead the circular bioeconomy: renewable resources rooted in our communities, world-class industrial capabilities and a strong culture of innovation. I look forward to working with our team, members, Board, committees, CEO Forum and partners to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and place it at the heart of Europe’s industrial future.”
Quote by Henrik Sjölund, Cepi Chairman and Holmen CEO “Francesca combines a strong command of European policymaking with a deep understanding of industrial value chains. The Cepi Board is confident that she will provide a strong, united voice for our industry in Europe. Her qualities make her exceptionally well placed to lead Cepi and represent our industry at this decisive moment.”