MEMPHIS, Tenn., March 14 -- International Paper today announced the election of Lynn Laverty Elsenhans to its board of directors, effective March 15. "Lynn brings global business and manufacturing expertise to our board," said John Faraci, International Paper's chairman and chief executive officer. "A senior executive at Shell, Lynn is highly regarded within industry. Her accomplishments and experience around the world in a capital-intensive industry like ours will add significant benefit to International Paper." Ms. Elsenhans, 50, is executive vice president of global manufacturing for Shell Downstream Inc., a business of Royal Dutch Shell plc, one of the world's largest oil and gas companies, where she began in 1980. In her current role she is responsible for Shell's refining business and chemical manufacturing worldwide. She has held numerous senior positions, including president of Shell Oil Company and Country Chair for Shell U.S., president and CEO of Shell Oil Products U.S., president and CEO Shell Oil Products East based in Singapore, and director of strategic planning, sustainable development and external affairs for Shell International Limited in London. She earned her B.A. from Rice University in 1978 and an M.B.A. from Harvard University in 1980. Ms. Elsenhans resides in Houston, Texas. Ms. Elsenhans is a trustee of Rice University and the First Tee, serves as an overseer of the Jones Graduate School of Management at Rice, and is on the boards of the World Golf Foundation, the Texas Medical Center, and Central Houston, Inc.