Sappi Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Driven by innovation, Sappi is dedicated to providing sustainable pulp and paper solutions, leveraging biorefinery capabilities to enhance its market impact.

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 Chief Information Officer, Domain Lead Mes & Sappi (South Africa) - Markie van Rensburg
  • Global Domain Security Leader & Group Chief Technology Officer, Infrastructure - Darryl Potgieter
  • Stephen Binnie - Chief Executive Officer

    Stephen Binnie, the Chief Executive Officer at Sappi, directs the company's overarching strategy and global operations. Overseeing all business units, Binnie ensures alignment with Sappi's mission of delivering sustainable pulp and paper products. This leadership position involves guiding the company's expansion into biorefinery solutions and paper-based innovations. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, Stephen Binnie drives the company's financial performance and market competitiveness. The Chief Executive Officer's role is critical in navigating industry shifts and capitalizing on emerging opportunities within the global pulp and paper sector. Binnie's strategic vision shapes the company's long-term trajectory, focusing on sustainable growth and value creation for stakeholders across North America and South Africa.
    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 and fiscal operations globally. Overseeing all financial planning, reporting, and investment activities, Luchene ensures the financial health and stability of Sappi. This critical role involves managing capital allocation, optimizing financial performance, and driving profitability across all business segments, including dissolving pulp, paper pulp, and biorefinery solutions. By implementing rigorous financial controls, Annette Luchene safeguards company assets and enhances shareholder value. The Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's leadership is instrumental in guiding strategic financial decisions, supporting sustainable growth, and navigating the economic landscape for Sappi's operations in South Africa and North America.
    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 information technology strategy for shared services operations in North America. Overseeing the digital infrastructure, Wright ensures the efficient delivery of IT services that support business functions across the region. This role involves managing technology investments and driving digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency. By optimizing shared services platforms, Jeffrey Wright directly contributes to cost savings and improved service delivery. The Global Chief Information Officer's focus extends to cybersecurity and data governance, safeguarding critical business information. Wright's leadership ensures that technology solutions empower Sappi's North American operations, supporting its pulp and paper manufacturing and biorefinery ventures.

    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, spearheads the information technology strategy for Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and overall IT operations within South Africa. Managing the technological backbone for Sappi's South African facilities, van Rensburg ensures robust and reliable IT systems that support production and business processes. This position involves implementing advanced MES solutions to optimize manufacturing efficiency and product quality. By driving technological innovation in South Africa, Markie van Rensburg enhances operational performance and supports the company's biorefinery and paper-based product lines. The Global Chief Information Officer's responsibilities include overseeing IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital integration across the South African domain, reinforcing Sappi's commitment to operational excellence.

    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, architects the company's global technology infrastructure and security posture. Overseeing the development and maintenance of robust IT systems and networks, Potgieter ensures operational resilience and data protection across Sappi's worldwide operations. This leadership position involves defining technology roadmaps, managing infrastructure investments, and implementing advanced security protocols to mitigate cyber threats. By enhancing technological capabilities, Darryl Potgieter directly supports the company's production of dissolving pulp, paper pulp, and biorefinery solutions. The Group Chief Technology Officer's focus on infrastructure reliability and security is paramount to maintaining business continuity and safeguarding sensitive information for Sappi.

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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 Chief Information Officer, Domain Lead Mes & Sappi (South Africa), Global Domain Security Leader & Group Chief Technology Officer, Infrastructure.