Monday, November 17, 2025
Stora Enso, a global leader in renewable products and sustainable forestry, has announced significant changes to its Group Leadership Team and organisational structure, effective 1 January 2026. These changes come as part of the company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its strategic focus and operational efficiency. This move also aligns with Stora Enso’s planned demerger of its forest business and the ongoing review of its Central European sawmills and building solutions operations.
Tuomas Hallenberg has been appointed as the new President and CEO of Stora Enso’s Swedish forest business, which is slated to be demerged in 2027. His new role will begin on 1 January 2026. Hallenberg will step down from his current position within the Group Leadership Team as of 31 December 2025 but will continue reporting to Hans Sohlström, President and CEO of Stora Enso.
Hallenberg brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Having joined Stora Enso in 2024 as Executive Vice President for the Forest division, he previously held senior positions at Metsähallitus, the Finnish national forest company. Hallenberg’s expertise in forest operations and wood sourcing will be invaluable as Stora Enso moves forward with its strategic plans. He holds a Master of Science degree in Forestry and an MBA, strengthening his leadership capabilities.
“I’d like to congratulate Tuomas Hallenberg on his appointment as President and CEO of our Swedish forest business,” said Hans Sohlström, Stora Enso’s President and CEO. “His leadership and experience will be key in steering the business as we prepare for the demerger.”
Pauli Torikka has been appointed as the Executive Vice President of the newly formed Wood and Energy business area, effective 1 January 2026. This new area will cover wood sourcing, wood products supply chain management, the Group’s energy business, and its Central European sawmilling operations. Torikka, who joined Stora Enso in 2020, has extensive experience in forest management and wood supply. Before Stora Enso, he held leadership positions at UPM, another major player in the forest products industry. He holds a Master of Science in Forest Economics and Wood Technology, along with an eMBA.
Lars Völkel, M.Sc. (BA), will take on the role of Executive Vice President for Containerboard, effective from 1 January 2026. Völkel has been with Stora Enso since 2020, serving as the Executive Vice President for Wood Products. In his new role, he will be responsible for the Group’s Containerboard business, succeeding Hannu Kasurinen, who will retire at the end of 2025 after 32 years with Stora Enso.
“I’d also like to welcome Pauli Torikka to our Group Leadership Team,” said Sohlström. “His expertise will be crucial as we establish our new Wood and Energy business area. I’d also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Hannu Kasurinen for his exceptional leadership over the years and wish him the best in his retirement.”
The Group Leadership Team changes will take effect on 1 January 2026, with the following leadership structure:
These changes come at a time when Stora Enso is preparing for the planned demerger of its forest business, with Hallenberg at the helm of the Swedish operations. This restructuring is part of a broader effort to streamline the company’s operations and enhance its focus on the development of renewable products. Stora Enso’s emphasis on mass timber, packaging, biomaterials, and wood construction aligns with its vision to make products from trees instead of fossil-based materials.
“The forest is at the heart of Stora Enso, and we believe that everything made from fossil-based materials today can be made from a tree tomorrow,” said Sohlström. “As the leading provider of renewable products, our strategy will help us continue to drive innovation and sustainability across the business.”
Stora Enso’s transformation aims to position the company as a global leader in renewable materials, catering to growing demand for eco-friendly alternatives. The planned demerger of its forest business and the establishment of new business areas will further strengthen its operational efficiency and market presence.
In 2024, Stora Enso’s sales reached EUR 9 billion, with approximately 19,000 employees. The company’s commitment to sustainability and renewable resources has positioned it as one of the largest private forest owners in the world, driving positive change in the forestry industry.
As Stora Enso embarks on this next phase of its strategic transformation, these leadership changes are set to play a crucial role in navigating the challenges ahead and capitalising on opportunities in the renewable materials market.
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Tags: forest business, forest operations, leadership changes in 2025, mass timber, renewable materials, Stora Enso, strategic transformation, wood products
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