Confederation of European Paper Industries Director General Jori Ringman elected ICFPA President
The International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA) has announced Jori Ringman as its new President. He is the Director General of the Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi). Mr. Ringman was elected at the ICFPA’s Annual Meeting, which was attended by representatives from 18 ICFPA member associations. He will take over the role from Derek Nighbor, who is the CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and served as ICFPA President from 2019-2022. Ms. Heidi Brock, President and CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA), has been elected as ICFPA Vice President.
Mr. Ringman and Ms. Brock will serve for a two-year mandate. Sustainability, forestry regulation and policies on carbon and climate are expected to occupy the top of the ICFPA’s agenda during their tenure. In November, ICFPA will participate in COP27, the yearly United Nations climate change conference, which assesses international progress on in greenhouse gas reductions.
Since joining Cepi in 2005, Jori Ringman has been advancing and exploring the sector’s role in the circular bio-economy. He has served as a civil servant at the European Commission and a political advisor in the European Parliament. Prior to joining AF&PA, Ms. Brock served as President and CEO of the U.S. Aluminum Association and Vice President of Federal & International Affairs at Weyerhaeuser. Under Ms. Brock’s leadership, AF&PA has advanced key policy priorities in Washington, D.C. and states across the U.S., and in 2021, the association launched its Better Practices, Better Planet 2030 sustainability goals for the paper and wood products industry.
“The ICFPA is nearly 20 years old, and my predecessors have done a lot of good work for me to build upon. Hand in hand with my colleagues from around the world, and building on the great leadership shown by Derek Nighbor during his presidency of ICFPA, we will further raise the visibility of forests as carbon sinks and biodiverse habitats, and places where people source renewable materials and energy. The resulting wood products displace carbon-intensive materials and trap and store carbon in bio-materials.” Jori Ringman – incoming ICFPA President and Director General of the Confederation of European Pulp and Paper Industry (Cepi)
“The ICFPA is a valuable way to partner and make great strides on sustainability. Our industry and the sustainable products we manufacture are essential to the world and critical to the circular economy. Through innovation and collaboration, we make meaningful impact that adds up to a better planet. I am excited to work alongside Jori Ringman and ICFPA’s members as we continue to advance our collective sustainability leadership into the future. I also want to recognize the leadership of Derek Nighbor who has guided ICFPA during the COVID-19 pandemic and focused on important policy conversations and partnerships.” Heidi Brock, incoming ICFPA Vice-President, President & CEO of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA)
“The global forest sector and its workers deliver quality products with environmental benefits, practical climate solutions, and family-supporting jobs. Over the past three years, ICFPA members have supported each other by navigating the impacts of COVID-19, strengthening international partnerships, and engaging at the global policymaking table together. As I end my term as President of ICFPA, I am proud of the work we have done as a group to build a cleaner, greener, and more inclusive global economy through sustainable forest management – by working as a team to support forestry workers and advance the use of environmentally-friendly forest products in our homes and communities around the world. Congratulations to incoming President Jori Ringman, and Vice President Heidi Brock, who will bring exceptional leadership, energy, and experience to ICFPA as they move into their new roles.” Derek Nighbor, outgoing ICFPA President, President & CEO of the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC)
The ICFPA serves as a forum of global dialogue, coordination and co-operation. Currently, the ICFPA represents 18 pulp, paper, wood and fibre-based associations that encompass 28 countries, including many of the top pulp, paper and wood producers around the world.
For more information contact:
Kerry Patterson-Baker
Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs
& Communications Secretariat for ICFPA
t : 613-563-1441 ext. 314
