Francesca Stevens Appointed Cepi Director General
The Confederation of European Paper Industries has named Francesca Stevens as its new director general.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
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The Confederation of European Paper Industries (Cepi) has appointed Francesca Stevens to serve as its director general. She officially stepped into the leadership role on September 28, 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment marks a leadership transition for the influential association as it navigates ongoing policy debates within the European Union. Stevens brings experience from her previous advocacy work to the paper industry group.
Jori Ringman led the association for seven years, serving from 2019 until September 2026. Francesca Stevens previously spent six years in a leadership role at Europen starting in 2020.
The players
Francesca Stevens
She is the newly appointed director general of the Confederation of European Paper Industries who previously served as secretary general at Europen.
Jori Ringman
He is the outgoing director general who led the Confederation of European Paper Industries from 2019 until September 2026.
The details
The board of the Confederation of European Paper Industries selected Stevens to succeed Jori Ringman as the organization's top executive. Stevens transitions to the role after concluding her tenure as secretary general at Europen.
Timeline
Jori Ringman began leading Cepi in 2019.
Francesca Stevens began her role at Europen in 2020.
Francesca Stevens assumed the position of director general on September 28, 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition positions Cepi to maintain its influence as trade groups vie for seats at the table during evolving EU environmental regulatory discussions. The move signals a continuity of advocacy strategy as the industry faces increasing pressure to standardize sustainability metrics.
This leadership change may influence how paper-based products are regulated and packaged in the European market. Consumers should look for potential shifts in the availability or design of paper alternatives as the new leadership implements its policy priorities.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions in major trade associations often signal shifts in how industries engage with regional regulators. Stakeholders should monitor these changes to understand how sustainability standards might evolve in the coming years.
Further reading
For more on shifts in industry leadership, visit the /business/people/ section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Euwid-paper.
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