Cepi announces Marco Eikelenboom as its new President

Cepi, announced that Marco Eikelenboom, CEO of Sappi Europe, will assume the position of Cepi president as of January 2024. Eikelenboom succeeds Ilkka Hämälä, CEO of Metsä Group, former chairman of Cepi.

Ilkka Hämälä, the current outgoing chairman, is recognized for advocating a more open dialogue between the industry and the EU institutions. His contribution includes the launch of Circular Choices, a coalition backed by European trade associations, focused on promoting a more competitive and ambitious bioeconomy in the EU, with the support of forest owners and managers.

Eikelenboom will assume the chairmanship of Cepi at a key moment, coinciding with the election period and the start of a new mandate for members of the European Parliament and a new College of EU Commissioners. This next five-year period is perceived as crucial, as the European Union seeks to concretize the legislative elements of the Green Deal to meet its emission reduction and elimination targets.

In this context, the pulp and paper industry, represented by Cepi, together with the wood, fiber and renewable energy sectors, are strategically positioned to offer solutions for green growth in the EU, seeking climate neutrality, bioeconomy and competitiveness.