Renewable woodfibre-based solutions provider Sappi has appointed Kirk Ross to succeed Mike Haws as president and CEO of Sappi North America, with effect from January 1.

Haws will retire in February following a 40-year career in the pulp and paper industry, including 14 years with Sappi and seven years as president and CEO of Sappi North America.

“I would like to thank Mike for his outstanding service and leadership throughout his career and particularly during his time with Sappi. His tenure was marked by several significant achievements, including the successful integration of the Matane Pulp Mill, guiding the North American business through the unprecedented challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and restoring the business to record profitability in 2021 and 2022.

"Under his leadership, Sappi North America also developed and implemented the strategic conversion of Paper Machine 2 (PM2) at Somerset Mill, a transformative investment aligned with Sappi’s Thrive strategy and our vision for long-term growth," comments CEO Steve Binnie.

Ross is currently Sappi North America manufacturing VP.

Sappi says he brings nearly three decades of industry experience and two decades of leadership within Sappi to his new role. Since being appointed to his current role in July 2025, he has led manufacturing operations across Sappi North America.

Prior to this, he served as project director for Project Elevate, the conversion and expansion of Somerset Mill’s PM2 to produce packaging-grade products. During his career with Sappi, he has also held several senior leadership positions, including director of marketing and brand management, director of research and development and director of manufacturing services.

“I am pleased that we are able to ensure a seamless leadership transition from Mike Haws to Kirk Ross. Over the course of his career, Kirk has developed a unique combination of business, technical, manufacturing and commercial expertise. He has played a significant role in shaping and executing Sappi’s Thrive strategy and has been instrumental in advancing our investments in packaging and speciality paper products in North America.

"I am confident that under his leadership, Sappi North America is well positioned to build on its strong foundation and continue creating value for customers, employees, communities, and shareholders," says Binnie.