Kirk Ross Will Lead Sappi North America in 2027
The executive will succeed retiring CEO Mike Haws at the company's Boston headquarters.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in People
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Beginning January 1, 2027, Kirk Ross will serve as the President and CEO of Sappi North America. He replaces outgoing leader Mike Haws, who plans to retire in February 2027.
Why it matters
The transition marks a change in leadership for the regional branch of the global paper manufacturer. Ross will assume the executive position following an established succession planning process at the company.
Mike Haws concludes a 40-year career in the pulp and paper industry, including 14 years at Sappi and seven years as CEO. His successor, Kirk Ross, brings two decades of leadership experience within the organization.
The players
Kirk Ross
He is the incoming President and CEO of Sappi North America who currently serves as the company's Vice President Manufacturing.
Mike Haws
He is the outgoing President and CEO of Sappi North America who concludes a 40-year career in the pulp and paper industry.
Sappi North America
This is a regional division of the global paper and pulp producer headquartered in Boston.
The details
Kirk Ross, who currently serves as Vice President Manufacturing, was selected for the role after a career that includes oversight of Project Elevate. He holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maine and is tasked with managing operations that reach customers in 150 countries.
Timeline
Kirk Ross becomes President and CEO on January 1, 2027.
Mike Haws will retire from the company in February 2027.
Market Landscape
This transition aligns with standard corporate succession planning, allowing for a hand-over period before the change in leadership. It ensures the regional division maintains stability as it continues to navigate the competitive global pulp and paper sector.
The leadership change serves as an internal administrative update for the company's operations. Customers and partners should expect no immediate shifts in daily business relations during the transition period.
The takeaway
Effective corporate leadership relies on long-term succession planning to mitigate disruption during personnel changes. Professionals can ensure their own career growth by identifying internal advancement opportunities and participating in organizational leadership programs.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit the Boston People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Kingston Whig-Standard.
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