Smurfit Kappa Group CEO McGann Named New CEPI Chairman
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On his appointment, McGann stated that the global competitiveness of Europe remains an issue that needs to be addressed by the EU. "The pulp and paper industry is a leading sector in the bio-economy with a large renewable energy and raw material base. Some 82% of our raw materials are sourced in Europe and we produce 23% of the world’s pulp and paper products. But our industry – made in Europe – suffers from a lack of a favorable business climate in Europe", McGann said.
"As chairman," he added, "I will support the CEPI Board and team in its effort to advance European competitiveness. The EU needs to create a complete single market and address areas such as energy policy. There is a need for greater certainty in regulation and creating an environment for industry that is enabling and makes business more efficient and more effective. We must also focus on delivering financial sustainability as much as environmental sustainability for industry in Europe. I believe CEPI has an important role to play in advancing these issues within the EU and ensuring competitiveness is on the agenda. CEPI and its team have a proven track record of successfully representing the paper industry at the highest level in Brussels and I look forward to working with them in the period ahead."
McGann became CEO of Smurfit Kappa in November 2002. He is also chairman of Aon Ireland, a director of IBEC (Irish Business and Employers’ Confederation), a director of the UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School, and a member of the ERT (European Round Table of Industrialists). McGann joined the (then) Jefferson Smurfit Group in 1998 as CFO.
