Sappi Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sappi has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, security, finance, and infrastructure.

Driven by innovation, Sappi is dedicated to providing sustainable pulp and paper solutions, leveraging biorefinery capabilities to impact global markets.

Leadership Roles at Sappi

  • Chief Executive Officer - Stephen Binnie
  • Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Annette Luchene
  • Global Chief Information Officer & Domain Lead, Shared Services (North America) - Jeffrey Wright
  • Global Domain Security Leader & Group Chief Technology Officer, Infrastructure - Darryl Potgieter
  • Global Chief Information Officer, Domain Lead Mes & Sappi (South Africa) - Markie van Rensburg
  • Stephen Binnie - Chief Executive Officer

    Stephen Binnie, the Chief Executive Officer at Sappi, directs the company's overall strategic vision and operational execution. Binnie oversees all major business units, ensuring alignment with the company's mission to deliver sustainable pulp and paper products and biorefinery solutions. This leadership role involves driving growth initiatives across global markets, particularly in dissolving pulp, paper pulp, and paper-based products. By focusing on innovation and efficiency, Stephen Binnie ensures Sappi maintains its competitive edge and commitment to environmental responsibility. The Chief Executive Officer's purview extends to fostering strong stakeholder relationships and guiding the company through evolving industry landscapes. Binnie's strategic direction is critical for expanding market reach and enhancing the value derived from Sappi's biorefinery operations, solidifying the company's position as a leader in its sector.
    Stephen Binnie

    Annette Luchene - Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Annette Luchene, the Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Sappi, directs the company's financial strategy, planning, and reporting. Luchene oversees all fiscal operations, ensuring financial health and driving profitability across Sappi's diverse portfolio, which includes dissolving pulp, paper pulp, and biorefinery solutions. This executive position involves managing capital allocation, optimizing financial performance, and maintaining strong relationships with investors and financial institutions. By providing critical financial insights, Annette Luchene supports strategic decision-making for market expansion and operational efficiency. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's expertise is essential for navigating economic complexities and ensuring sustainable growth for Sappi's paper-based products and emerging biorefinery ventures, reinforcing the company's financial stability.
    Annette Luchene

    Jeffrey Wright - Global Chief Information Officer & Domain Lead, Shared Services (North America)

    Jeffrey Wright, the Global Chief Information Officer & Domain Lead, Shared Services (North America) at Sappi, architects the company's global information technology strategy and oversees shared services operations within North America. Wright drives the digital transformation initiatives, ensuring robust and scalable IT infrastructure to support Sappi's diverse business segments, including dissolving pulp and paper-based solutions. This leadership position involves managing critical IT functions, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and optimizing shared services to improve operational efficiency across the region. By implementing advanced technological solutions, Jeffrey Wright supports the company's biorefinery ventures and paper pulp divisions. The Global Chief Information Officer & Domain Lead, Shared Services (North America)'s focus on innovation ensures that Sappi's technological capabilities remain at the forefront, enabling seamless operations and strategic growth in the competitive global market.

    Darryl Potgieter - Global Domain Security Leader & Group Chief Technology Officer, Infrastructure

    Darryl Potgieter, the Global Domain Security Leader & Group Chief Technology Officer, Infrastructure at Sappi, spearheads the company's global cybersecurity posture and directs the development and maintenance of its core IT infrastructure. Potgieter ensures the integrity and security of Sappi's digital assets, safeguarding sensitive data related to its pulp and paper operations and biorefinery solutions. This critical role involves implementing advanced security protocols and managing the technological backbone that supports all business functions across Sappi's global footprint. By focusing on robust infrastructure and proactive threat mitigation, Darryl Potgieter enables secure and efficient operations, crucial for the company's paper pulp and dissolving pulp businesses. The Global Domain Security Leader & Group Chief Technology Officer, Infrastructure's leadership is vital for maintaining operational resilience and protecting the company's reputation in an increasingly complex digital environment.

    Markie van Rensburg - Global Chief Information Officer, Domain Lead Mes & Sappi (South Africa)

    Markie van Rensburg, the Global Chief Information Officer, Domain Lead Mes & Sappi (South Africa) at Sappi, leads the implementation and management of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and oversees IT operations specifically within South Africa. Van Rensburg drives technological advancements to enhance manufacturing efficiency and operational excellence across Sappi's pulp and paper production facilities. This role involves ensuring seamless integration of MES solutions with broader IT infrastructure, supporting the company's biorefinery initiatives and paper-based product lines. By focusing on localized IT strategy and domain-specific systems, Markie van Rensburg optimizes production processes and data management within the South African operations. The Global Chief Information Officer, Domain Lead Mes & Sappi (South Africa)'s contributions are vital for driving operational improvements and supporting Sappi's global objectives through effective technology deployment.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sappi Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sappi?
    Sappi is led by Stephen Binnie (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Annette Luchene (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Jeffrey Wright (Global Chief Information Officer & Domain Lead, Shared Services (North America)).
    Who is part of Sappi’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sappi includes leaders such as Stephen Binnie (Chief Executive Officer), Annette Luchene (Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Jeffrey Wright (Global Chief Information Officer & Domain Lead, Shared Services (North America)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sappi have?
    Sappi has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sappi’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sappi includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Global Chief Information Officer & Domain Lead, Shared Services (North America), Global Domain Security Leader & Group Chief Technology Officer, Infrastructure, Global Chief Information Officer, Domain Lead Mes & Sappi (South Africa).