Francesca Stevens Named Director General of Cepi
The trade association for the European paper industry appointed a new leader to guide its ongoing advocacy efforts.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in People
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The Confederation of European Paper Industries has appointed Francesca Stevens as its new director general. She officially assumed the role on September 28, 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment signals a leadership transition for the association as it navigates European Union policy debates affecting the paper and manufacturing sectors. The move follows the tenure of former director general Jori Ringman.
Jori Ringman served as director general from 2019 until September 2026, while Francesca Stevens transitioned from her role as secretary general at Europen held from 2020 through 2026.
The players
Francesca Stevens
The newly appointed director general of the Confederation of European Paper Industries who previously served as secretary general at Europen.
Jori Ringman
The outgoing leader who served as director general of the Confederation of European Paper Industries from 2019 until September 2026.
Confederation of European Paper Industries
A trade association representing the paper industry in the European Union that focuses on policy advocacy and sector regulation.
Europen
An industry organization focused on packaging and sustainability policy that previously employed Stevens as secretary general.
The details
The board of the Confederation of European Paper Industries selected Stevens to oversee the organization's representation of the European paper sector. Stevens brings experience from her previous role at Europen, where she managed advocacy work within the Brussels policy environment.
Timeline
Jori Ringman led the association beginning in 2019.
Francesca Stevens began her role at Europen in 2020.
Francesca Stevens assumed her position as director general on September 28, 2026.
Market Landscape
This transition marks a leadership change at the Confederation of European Paper Industries, departing from the multi-year term established by the 2019 appointment of Jori Ringman. The organization remains a central voice in European Union regulatory discussions for the packaging and paper sector.
Operators in the paper and packaging sector should monitor future policy statements from the new leadership to identify potential shifts in regulatory stance. Reviewing the association's upcoming advocacy roadmap is recommended to anticipate changes in compliance requirements for the EU market.
The takeaway
Leadership transitions at trade associations often signal a pivot in legislative priorities. Operators should keep track of early position papers issued by the new administration to align their internal compliance strategies.
Further reading
For more on shifts in industry leadership, see People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Euwid-paper.
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