Billerud taps Schwartz as North American leader

What's happening: Billerud, the Swedish-based paper and pulp manufacturer, has appointed Doug Schwartz as president of Billerud North America and a member of its Group Management Team, effective September 30. Schwartz brings experience from similar roles in the forest and paper industries, having held leadership roles at companies like Sonoco Products, International Paper and Champion International. Most recently, he served as vice president and general manager of Rigid Paper Containers at Sonoco.

Doug Schwartz Staying active in the area: Earlier this year, Billerud decided against a major investment in the Escanaba mill, converting the company from focusing on shipping materials to the type of cardboard typically used in cereal boxes. While that decision resounded among shareholders on Sweden’s Stockholm Exchange, the move created additional questions about the longevity of the company in the region. Schwartz’s hiring, however, is the latest in small unannounced changes to the company's business organization in the Upper Peninsula, where most of Billerud’s employees live and work. The company has said it still supports its current mills in Escanaba, Quinnesec and Wisconsin Rapids; Billerud CEO and President Ivar Vatne said that the Quinnesec mill was a “crown jewel” of North American production.

What they're saying: “I am very happy that Doug, with his proven track record, will now lead our North America operations, which are integral to Billerud’s business and growth strategy. Together with our competent American team, he will continue our commitment to serve our customers by delivering our core products — graphic paper, specialty papers, and pulp, as well as carton board and other packaging materials. At the same time, he will lead the team in identifying strategic product development initiatives to diversify and expand our product portfolio,” Vatne said.

What's next: Schwartz and Billerud will continue to take the new energy from the hire and put it into continuing the company’s success in the Upper Peninsula. 

“I am honored to have the opportunity to join Billerud North America as president. With an industry experience of more than three decades – and a strong team in place – I hope to bring new perspectives that build upon the strong foundation already established and capture new opportunities to achieve sustainable and profitable growth,” Schwartz said.