Metsä Group has announced the appointment of Jussi Noponen as Executive Vice President (EVP) of Metsä Wood, effective March 1 2026. This leadership change marks an exciting new chapter for Metsä Wood. Noponen brings with him over 20 years of experience at Metsä Group, having held a variety of senior roles, most recently as a member of the Corporate Leadership Team at Metsä Board.
A Wealth of Experience in the Forest Industry
Jussi Noponen’s experience spans financial, commercial, and operational leadership, providing him with a well-rounded view of the wood and paper industries. Prior to his new role, he served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Senior Vice President (SVP) of Sales and Supply Chain at Metsä Board. In his previous position, Noponen was instrumental in the company’s business, where fresh fibre is transformed into sustainable packaging solutions. His strategic insights and deep understanding of the sector will significantly contribute to Metsä Wood’s continued growth and innovation.
Shaping Sustainable Future with Wood Products
Metsä Wood, a division of Metsä Group, plays a vital role in the sustainable use of renewable wood products. These products are critical in shaping the future of sustainable construction and industrial applications. With Noponen at the helm, the company is poised to leverage his leadership to further enhance the development of carbon-efficient and high-quality wood materials. Metsä Wood’s focus on engineered wood products such as birch and spruce plywood, Kerto® LVL, and upgraded timber will continue to address the growing demands of construction, industrial, and distribution customers across Europe.
Return of Juha Pilli-Sihvola to CFO Role
Juha Pilli-Sihvola, who has been serving as the interim EVP for Metsä Wood, will resume his role as CFO of the division. His return to the CFO position will support the strategic direction of Metsä Wood under Noponen’s leadership. This transition ensures that Metsä Wood continues to operate efficiently while strengthening its financial position.
Metsä Group’s Leadership Team
With this appointment, Metsä Group’s Executive Management Team will undergo some adjustments. The team, led by Jussi Vanhanen, President and CEO of Metsä Group, will continue to drive the company’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and financial growth. The updated leadership team includes:
- Jaakko Anttila, COO, Metsä Group
- Miika Arola, EVP, Legal and Compliance, Metsä Group
- Pertti Hietaniemi, EVP, Human Resources, Metsä Group
- Juha Jumppanen, EVP, Metsä Forest
- Esa Kaikkonen, CEO, Metsä Board
- Jussi Noponen, EVP, Metsä Wood
- Ismo Nousiainen, CEO, Metsä Fibre
- Sari Pajari-Sederholm, CEO, Metsä Tissue
- Tomi Salo, EVP, Stakeholder Engagement, Metsä Group
- Vesa-Pekka Takala, Group EVP, CFO, Metsä Group
- Jussi Vanhanen, President and CEO, Metsä Group
- Wilhelm Wolff, EVP, Strategy and Investment, Metsä Group
Metsä Group’s Commitment to Sustainability
Metsä Group continues to operate at the forefront of sustainable forestry practices. The company’s parent organisation, Metsäliitto Cooperative, is owned by over 90,000 forest owners. Metsä Group remains committed to regenerative forestry and the sustainable use of wood products. With a focus on products such as wood supply, forest services, paperboards, and tissue papers, the company is dedicated to promoting responsible forest management.
The renewable wood products manufactured by Metsä Wood play a key role in reducing carbon footprints. They offer long-term solutions that store carbon for decades, aiding the construction of a more sustainable world. In the face of growing environmental concerns, wood is increasingly being recognised for its role in sustainable development. This has placed companies like Metsä Wood in a position to deliver innovative, eco-friendly solutions.
The Road Ahead for Metsä Wood
With Noponen taking charge of Metsä Wood, the company’s focus will remain on developing sustainable, renewable products. Collaboration with customers and partners will continue to be at the heart of Metsä Wood’s strategy, ensuring the constant improvement and innovation of its products. As one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of engineered wood products, Metsä Wood is well-positioned to contribute to the future of green construction.
The appointment of Jussi Noponen underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, financial strength, and operational excellence. The combination of Noponen’s extensive leadership experience and Metsä Wood’s forward-thinking approach promises a bright future for the company and the wood products industry as a whole.
About Metsä Group
Metsä Group, headquartered in Finland, has its roots deeply embedded in the country’s forests. The company’s portfolio includes wood products, tissue papers, and paperboards, all made from renewable wood. Metsä Group is dedicated to ensuring that wood is used responsibly, with the goal of fostering a sustainable future for forests and industries alike.
With sales totalling €5.7 billion in 2024 and a workforce of around 9,600 employees, Metsä Group is a global leader in sustainable wood solutions. Metsä Wood’s contribution to sustainable construction and industrial products continues to be central to the company’s overall strategy.
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