International Paper Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

International Paper has 6 executives leading key functions including information technology, financial strategy, human resources, regional packaging solutions, Asian market operations, and organizational development.

Focused on sustainable fiber-based packaging, International Paper advances global supply chain efficiency through renewable products and innovative recycling solutions that support diverse industrial and commercial markets.

Leadership Roles at International Paper

  • Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer - Lance Loeffler
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Packaging Solutions (North America) - Mark Nellessen
  • President, IP (Asia) - Thomas Gestrich
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer - John Balboni
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Melissa Flores
  • Rh - Gislaine Veronez
  • Lance Loeffler - Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer

    Lance Loeffler, the Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer at International Paper, manages the global financial health and capital allocation strategies of the organization. Overseeing fiscal planning, the Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer ensures alignment between investment in sustainable packaging technologies and shareholder value creation. This leadership role involves directing treasury operations, investor relations, and corporate accounting functions to maintain financial stability. By optimizing the balance sheet, Lance Loeffler directly impacts the ability of the company to expand manufacturing capacity for renewable fiber products. Furthermore, Loeffler coordinates with the Board to evaluate strategic acquisitions that strengthen the market position of the firm. Through rigorous financial oversight, the Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer drives cost-efficiency across all global business units. Ultimately, Loeffler secures the necessary capital to advance innovation in recycling solutions and industrial packaging markets.
    Lance Loeffler

    Mark Nellessen - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Packaging Solutions (North America)

    Mark Nellessen, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Packaging Solutions (North America) at International Paper, manages the financial performance of the regional corrugated packaging and containerboard business. Overseeing regional budgeting and cost management, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Packaging Solutions (North America) ensures profitability within the North American market. This leadership role involves analyzing supply chain expenditures to improve margins on renewable fiber products. By monitoring regional market trends, Mark Nellessen directly impacts the strategic pricing and resource allocation for local manufacturing operations. Furthermore, Nellessen collaborates with operational leaders to identify efficiency gains in the production of e-commerce and industrial packaging solutions. Through precise financial forecasting, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Packaging Solutions (North America) drives the economic success of regional initiatives. Ultimately, Nellessen secures the financial viability of the North American packaging portfolio.

    Thomas Gestrich - President, IP (Asia)

    Thomas Gestrich, the President, IP (Asia) at International Paper, directs all business operations and market expansion efforts throughout the Asian region. Overseeing the manufacturing and distribution of fiber-based products, the President, IP (Asia) ensures alignment with global sustainability goals while navigating complex regional market dynamics. This leadership role involves managing local partnerships and scaling production capacity to meet the rising demand for recyclable packaging solutions. By identifying growth opportunities in emerging markets, Thomas Gestrich directly impacts the international footprint of the company. Furthermore, Gestrich coordinates with global leadership to integrate regional manufacturing standards with corporate quality requirements. Through the execution of localized business strategies, the President, IP (Asia) drives revenue growth and operational presence across the continent. Ultimately, Gestrich secures a competitive advantage for the firm by expanding the reach of renewable fiber products in key Asian markets.

    John Balboni - Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer

    John Balboni, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer at International Paper, directs the digital transformation of global manufacturing systems. Overseeing enterprise-wide technology infrastructure, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer ensures robust cybersecurity protocols protect sensitive supply chain data. This leadership role involves integrating advanced analytics into fiber-based packaging production to optimize operational output. By modernizing legacy platforms, John Balboni directly impacts the scalability of renewable product manufacturing. Furthermore, Balboni manages cross-functional digital initiatives that align information technology with corporate sustainability objectives. Through the implementation of cloud-based solutions, the Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer drives efficiency across North American and international facilities. Ultimately, Balboni secures the technological foundation necessary for maintaining market leadership in the competitive pulp and containerboard sectors while supporting long-term digital growth strategies.

    Melissa Flores - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Melissa Flores, the Chief Human Resources Officer at International Paper, architects the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for the global workforce. Overseeing human capital initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the alignment of employee performance with the mission of producing sustainable fiber-based packaging. This leadership role involves managing labor relations, diversity programs, and leadership development pipelines to foster a culture of safety and innovation. By implementing comprehensive training frameworks, Melissa Flores directly impacts the operational excellence of manufacturing teams. Furthermore, Flores drives engagement strategies that support the retention of skilled personnel across diverse industrial markets. Through the modernization of compensation and benefits structures, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the company remains an employer of choice within the renewable products sector. Ultimately, Flores secures the human capital required to sustain long-term growth and operational efficiency.
    Melissa Flores

    Gislaine Veronez - Rh

    Gislaine Veronez, the Rh at International Paper, manages organizational development and personnel management functions within the regional business units. Overseeing the implementation of human resource policies, the Rh ensures that workforce capabilities support the production of sustainable fiber-based packaging. This leadership role involves coordinating talent management and employee relations to maintain high standards of operational safety and productivity. By fostering a collaborative work environment, Gislaine Veronez directly impacts the efficiency of manufacturing teams. Furthermore, Veronez drives initiatives that align local staff performance with the broader corporate mission of advancing renewable packaging solutions. Through the management of regional labor requirements, the Rh ensures that the company maintains a skilled and motivated workforce capable of meeting industrial market demands. Ultimately, Veronez secures the organizational stability necessary for achieving long-term growth and operational excellence in the region.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding International Paper Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads International Paper?
    International Paper is led by Lance Loeffler (Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Mark Nellessen (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Packaging Solutions (North America)) and Thomas Gestrich (President, IP (Asia)).
    Who is part of International Paper’s executive team?
    The executive team of International Paper includes leaders such as Lance Loeffler (Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer), Mark Nellessen (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Packaging Solutions (North America)), Thomas Gestrich (President, IP (Asia)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does International Paper have?
    International Paper has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in International Paper’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of International Paper includes roles such as Senior VP & Chief Financial Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Packaging Solutions (North America), President, IP (Asia), Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.