Memphis, Tenn. – International Paper announced today the retirement of C. Cato Ealy, senior vice president, Corporate Development after 26 years with the company. His retirement will be effective December 31, 2018.

Mr. Ealy joined the company in 1992 as director of Corporate Development. In June 1996, he was promoted to vice president and was elected as a senior vice president in June 2003. Mr. Ealy has been responsible for the company's acquisitions and divestitures. Most notably, he played a key role in developing and executing the company's transformation plan, which included significant divestitures and several important acquisitions transforming International Paper into a leading global packaging, pulp and paper company.

"Cato has been a key contributor to the success of International Paper for nearly three decades helping to make IP a more sustainable and profitable company," said Mark S. Sutton, chairman and CEO. "All of us wish him the very best in retirement."