Board Changes at Smurfit Kappa
Smurfit Kappa Group announces that as part of its ongoing programme of Board refreshment and renewal Mr James Lawrence has been appointed to the Board as an independent non-executive Director with immediate effect.
The Group also announces that Mr Sam Mencoff and Mr Paul Stecko have retired from the Board having served as non-executive Directors for 13 and 7 years respectively.
James Lawrence
Mr Lawrence is Chairman of Great North Star LLC, an investment and advisory firm. He served as Chairman of Rothschild North America from 2012 to 2015 and previously served as CEO of Rothschild North America from 2010 to 2012. Prior to this, Mr Lawrence served as CFO and an executive Director of Unilever plc. Mr Lawrence joined Unilever from General Mills where he was Vice-Chairman and CFO. He previously also held senior positions with Northwest Airlines and Pepsico Inc.
Mr Lawrence earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Yale University and an MBA with distinction from Harvard Business School. He is currently a non-executive director of Avnet, Inc. and International Consolidated Airlines Group S.A.
Liam O’Mahony, Chairman, commented:
“We are delighted to announce that Jim Lawrence will join the Smurfit Kappa Group Board. He has a breadth and depth of expertise, across markets and business sectors, which will be of great value to the Group in the years ahead.”
“We would also like to record our sincere appreciation for the outstanding contribution of both Sam Mencoff and Paul Stecko. They have been valued Board members during a period of significant growth and development for the Group. We wish them well for the future.”