South Africa paper and pulp giant Sappi has announced the appointment of Veronica “Ronee” M Hagen, currently chief customer officer of Alcoa Inc, as president and CEO of Sappi Fine Paper North America.
Hagen — previous owner of Metal Sales, a business that sold ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as metal processing and fabricating equipment — sold her business in 1996. She joined Alumax as executive vice-president and in 1998 became part of Alcoa with Alcoa’s acquisition of Alumax.
At Alcoa, Hagen was business unit president of engineered products with full profit and loss accountability for 21 operating plants. She was elected an officer of the company in 2000.
Commenting on her appointment, Jonathan Leslie, CEO of Sappi Limited, said: “With a strong track record in operational management and commercial leadership, Ronee Hagen comes highly qualified to lead one of Sappi’s most important businesses.
“She has proven global business leadership skills and experience, and this, combined with her strong focus on world-class customer service, change management and team building, will enable her to take Sappi’s North American business forward.”
Hagen, an American, will succeed Dr John Job, who was seconded as president and CEO after the resignation of Kathy Walters while the search for a long-term replacement took place.
Job will continue in his role as technical director of Sappi, and will be available to effect a smooth transition to his successor.
Hagen joins Sappi on November 1 this year. — I-Net Bridge