James Cropper, the global market leader in Paper & Packaging and Advanced Materials, has announced that Paul Barber has joined as Managing Director of Paper & Packaging.
Paul’s appointment comes in James Cropper’s 180th year of operation and follows the unification of James Cropper Speciality Paper, Colourform, and Technical Fibre Products under one company name of James Cropper with the new brand essence – ‘Making a Material Difference’.
Having implemented a transformation programme including a streamlined portfolio and operational improvements, James Cropper has also made several strategic key hires with Paul Barber following the recent appointment of David Stirling as Chief Executive Officer.
With more than 25 years’ experience in the paper and packaging industry, Paul began his career as an Area Sales Manager for Sonoco. Roles at Weidenhammer Packaging Group, Smurfit Kappa, DS Smith and Corrboard followed, before Paul took the reins as Managing Director of the Coveris Group. Paul’s background includes skills in building customer partnerships and programmes of customer excellence, operational stabilisation and acceleration, investment planning, new product development, employee engagement strategies and manufacturing growth.
Commenting on his appointment, Paul Barber, Managing Director, Paper & Packaging, said, “During my tenure in the paper and packaging industry, I have long admired James Cropper for its history of quality manufacturing, innovation, navigating challenges and deep-rooted ESG values.
“This role presents a unique opportunity to be part of a first-rate team. My focus will be on creating an environment where our employees can thrive and mobilising their knowledge and expertise to accelerate bespoke solutions for our customers. I’ll also be aligning our strong operational ability and introducing new systems and processes to support our customer base.”
David Stirling, Chief Executive Officer, James Cropper, said, “With a background of spearheading transformation and increasing profitability, Paul is perfectly placed to steer our paper and packaging business through this next chapter.
“As we mark 180 years of the James Cropper brand, Paul’s appointment forms part of our strategy for future growth, setting bold ambitions for our team and our customers. Paul will also play a key role in actioning our commitment to safeguarding a robust future for the industry, our community and the environment.”
Originally known for papermaking, James Cropper is now the first choice for pioneering material solutions. Today, the group operates on the global stage collaborating with the world’s biggest enterprises and well-known names in energy, aerospace, luxury retail and beyond. From transforming recycled coffee cups and hotel bedsheets into premium packaging to creating industry-first moulded fibre wraps for Bruichladdich whisky bottles; plus hydrogen fuel cell powered vehicles and even lightweight aircraft materials, consumers are never more than a few feet away from a James Cropper product.
Photo: Paul Barber
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