SAPPI has appointed Graeme Wild as the new chief executive officer of Sappi Southern Africa, effective 1 December. Graeme, who currently serves as vice-president of sales and marketing, takes over the reins from Alex Thiel, who has led the company for 14 years and will transition to new strategic project duties before retiring in December 2025.

Steve Binnie, CEO of Sappi, praises Alex’s leadership, emphasising his substantial contributions over the past 34 years. ‘Alex has been an outstanding leader, not just for Sappi, but for the entire industry,’ Steve states. Under his guidance, Sappi Southern Africa underwent a strategic transformation that resulted in a significant increase in sales revenue from R11.7-billion to R27.1-billion, with EBITDA rising from R1.8-billion to a record R6-billion. Alex was instrumental during challenging times, including the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Steve expresses confidence in Graeme’s capabilities. ‘Graeme is an experienced leader who understands both investor priorities and the critical need for sustainability,’ he remarks. Graeme has been with Sappi since 1995, ascending through various roles, including overseeing growth in the containerboard segment to meet rising demand from citrus exporters and developing new packaging grades for the food and fast-food markets.

Graeme holds a BSc in Forestry from the University of Stellenbosch and an MBA (cum laude) from the Gordon Institute of Business Science. His extensive background in strategy and sustainability will be pivotal as Sappi Southern Africa aims to maintain its leadership in paper and packaging while addressing environmental commitments.

‘I’m excited to step into this role and continue driving Sappi’s commitment to innovation and sustainability,’ Graeme states.

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