Stora Enso unveils inaugural Board for new forest asset spin-off ahead of 2027 demerger

 Monday, January 12, 2026

Stora Enso Oyj has proposed a Board of Directors for its new independent forest asset company, managing Swedish timberlands, set for a demerger and public listing in early 2027. The nomination of this six-member board marks a critical transition point for Stora Enso as it prepares to unlock the value of its 1.2 million hectares of Swedish forest land—valued at approximately EUR 5.7 billion. The new entity is positioned to become the largest listed “pure-play” forest owner in Europe.

The proposed board brings a sophisticated blend of industrial legacy and modern financial acumen. Marcus Wallenberg, Chair of Stora Enso’s Shareholders’ Nomination Board, highlighted the deliberate selection process: “They bring a diverse range of expertise in forestry, finance, investment management, energy, sustainability, and strategic marketing. This collective experience is vital for the New Company’s commitment to strong governance.”

Leadership highlights:

• Johan Trolle-Löwen (Proposed Chair): A Swedish executive with deep roots in forest management. Currently CEO of Sjösa Förvaltnings AB and former Chair of Kopparfors Skogar AB, Trolle-Löwen’s technical engineering background and decades of forestry leadership provide the bedrock for the company’s operational strategy.
• Jannica Fagerholm (Proposed Vice Chair): A Finnish finance veteran. As Managing Director of the Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation and Vice Chair of Solidium, her expertise in investment management ensures the New Company remains a high-performance asset for shareholders.

The board is rounded out by Helen Fasth Gillstedt, an expert in energy and sustainability; Magnus Fernström, Investment Director at FAM; Timo Mäkinen of Solidium Oy; and Catharina Stackelberg-Hammarén, a specialist in strategic brand development and commercial execution.

The separation is designed as a partial cross-border demerger. Under this plan, all shares in the New Company will be distributed to existing Stora Enso shareholders, maintaining the dual A and R share structure.

The decision to spin off the Swedish forest assets—headquartered in Falun, Sweden—allows Stora Enso to focus exclusively on its core mission: leading the global market in renewable packaging, biomaterials, and wooden construction.

The New Company will operate with a distinct financial profile characterized by stable, inflation-resilient returns. Central to this transition is a proposed 18-year wood supply agreement, ensuring Stora Enso retains access to premium fibre while providing the New Company with a guaranteed revenue stream from its inception.

This move reflects a broader trend in the Nordic forestry sector toward specialized asset management. By separating biological assets (the standing forest) from industrial processing (pulp and packaging), both entities gain the agility to pursue specific growth opportunities. The New Company is expected to explore incremental value through renewable energy initiatives—such as wind power on forest lands—and carbon sequestration credits, which are increasingly vital in the EU’s climate-neutrality framework.

As 2027 approaches, the industry will be watching closely as this inaugural board navigates the regulatory approvals and shareholder votes necessary to launch this historic forestry powerhouse.

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Image Courtesy: Bloomberg

Tags: European timberland market, Forest asset company, forest management board, Stora Enso demerger, sustainable forestry investment, Swedish forest assets