Domtar's Williams named chairman of the board

WASHINGTON -The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) today announced the election of Domtar President and CEO John Williams as the new AF&PA board chairman, along with the 2014 slate of AF&PA Board Officers.

"I am honored to serve an industry that I have spent many years promoting, and I'm optimistic about the future of AF&PA and its member companies," said Williams. "Collectively, we have a strong voice and presence, both around the globe and on Capitol Hill, and I look forward to the challenges that this year brings."

Williams has served as Domtar's president and CEO since January 2009 and has over 30 years experience in the consumer products and packaging industry. He began his career in consumer product sales in 1976, working in both the U.K. and the U.S.

"John's extensive experience working on the consumer side of the business will provide a unique perspective as we look at issues affecting the industry, and I look forward to working with him to advance our policy objectives this year," said AF&PA President and CEO Donna Harman. "Our Immediate Past Chairman David Scheible helped us navigate the complexities that 2013 brought with state and federal policies affecting our industry, positioning us for success in 2014."

Also elected to officer positions by the AF&PA Board are First Vice Chairman Mark Gardner, president and CEO of Sappi Fine Paper North America, and Second Vice Chairman Mark Kowlzan, CEO of Packaging Corporation of America. Chairman, President and CEO of Graphic Packaging David Scheible will serve as the immediate past chairman. 

Beginning terms as members of the AF&PA Board of Directors in 2014 are: Richard Arnold, Old Town Fuel & Fiber; Roger Hagan, Port Townsend Paper Company; Debabrata Mukherjee, Ph.D., Finch Paper LLC; and Peter G. Watson, Greif Inc.

U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), and Rep. Michael Michaud (D-Maine) were also present, speaking to the board about the association's key policy issues.

The AF&PA Board of Directors currently consists of 30 top industry leaders representing the broad spectrum of the paper and wood products manufacturing sector.  

For more information about AF&PA its policy issues, visit www.afandpa.org.