Organizational Shifts in Stora Enso's Leadership Team
Stora Enso Oyj has announced significant changes to its Group Leadership Team and organizational structure, set to take effect on 1 January 2026. These strategic appointments aim to bolster the Group's focus and operational efficiency as it prepares for a future demerger of its forest business and evaluates its operations in Central Europe.
In light of these developments, Tuomas Hallenberg will assume the role of President and CEO for Stora Enso's upcoming Swedish forest division, a significant step ahead of its planned demerger in 2027. His appointment will take effect on the new year. Hallenberg, who has broad leadership experience within the forest sector, previously served as Executive Vice President for Forest at Stora Enso after joining in 2024. His former role saw him manage property development and renewables at Metsähallitus, Finland's national forest company.
Leadership and New Initiatives
Alongside Hallenberg, Pauli Torikka has been designated as Executive Vice President of the new Wood and Energy business area, which will also commence on 1 January 2026. As of now, he serves as Senior Vice President for Wood Supply within the Forest realm. Torikka’s background at UPM and his academic qualifications in forest economics and wood technology position him well for this leadership role.
The newly formed Wood and Energy business area will integrate various facets of the wood supply chain, including sourcing, trading, production, and energy operations across Stora Enso’s Central European sawmills.
Key Leadership Changes
Furthermore, Lars Völkel, M.Sc. (BA), will step into the position of Executive Vice President for Containerboard, also beginning on 1 January 2026. He previously held the role of Executive Vice President for Wood Products since 2020. Lars will succeed Hannu Kasurinen, who is set to retire at the end of this year after over 30 years of dedication to Stora Enso.
Group President and CEO, Hans Sohlström, expressed his congratulations to Hallenberg and Völkel on their new roles and warmly welcomed Torikka to the team. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Hannu Kasurinen, emphasizing the significant impact of his leadership on the organization's growth and transformation.
As of 1 January 2026, the composition of Stora Enso's Group Leadership Team will consist of the following members:
Hans Sohlström, President and CEO
Niclas Rosenlew, CFO
Micaela Thorström, EVP People and Legal, General Counsel
Tobias Bäärnman, EVP Strategy and Sustainability
Andreas Birmoser, EVP Cartonboard
Markku Luoto, EVP Foodservice and Liquid Board
Lars Völkel, EVP Containerboard
Carolyn Wagner, EVP Packaging Solutions
Johanna Hagelberg, EVP Biomaterials
Pauli Torikka, EVP Wood and Energy
Stora Enso's Commitment to Sustainability
Stora Enso emphasizes its deep-rooted belief in sustainable practices, as the forest remains a central focus for the company. Stora Enso leads the way in producing renewable products in packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction, holding its position as one of the largest private forest owners globally. As of 2024, the company employed around 19,000 individuals and achieved sales totaling EUR 9 billion. Its shares are traded on Nasdaq Helsinki (STEAV, STERV) and Nasdaq Stockholm (STE A, STE R), alongside being available on USA’s OTC Markets as ADRs and ordinary shares.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What leadership changes are happening at Stora Enso?
Stora Enso is appointing new leaders, including Tuomas Hallenberg as President and CEO of the Swedish forest business, and Pauli Torikka as Executive VP for Wood and Energy.
2. When will these changes take effect?
The leadership appointments will be effective starting from 1 January 2026.
3. What is the significance of the new Wood and Energy business area?
This area will streamline operations involving wood sourcing, energy business, and sawmill operations in Central Europe.
4. Who is succeeding Hannu Kasurinen?
Lars Völkel has been appointed as the new Executive Vice President for Containerboard to succeed Hannu Kasurinen upon his retirement.
5. What is Stora Enso's vision for the future?
Stora Enso aims to transition all that is made from fossil-based materials today into sustainable alternatives based on trees, emphasizing renewable resources.
