The Confederation of European Paper Industries (CEPI) is sad to report the sudden and unexpected death of its Director General, Sylvain Lhôte. A French national, Sylvain died at the age of 51, on Thursday 6 June 2019, from heart failure. He was married, with two children.
He was the Director General of CEPI since 2016 and brought a strong leadership to the organisation, reforming the way of working, focusing on building efficient working tools and processes, encouraging synergies and increased communication among colleagues and value chain partners. He was instrumental in outlining a strategy for the future of the industry in order to successfully go through major transformations related to tackling climate change and leveraging the potential of the bio-economy.
Sylvain brought 25 years of government and public affairs expertise, working with leading material technology and manufacturing industries on climate and energy policies, sustainability and industrial affairs, as well as competition and international trade issues. Prior to joining CEPI, Sylvain was Vice-president Governmental Affairs and Business Development in the EMEA Region for Alcoa, the aluminium and metals engineering group. He previously directed EU and sustainability affairs for the Borealis Group, in the base chemicals and plastics industry. He also chaired FleishmanHillard’s Public Affairs practice in Europe and headed its environment department, advising major trade associations and industries in the field of sustainability policies and PA strategies.
Due to the exceptional circumstances, Jori Ringman, CEPI’s Deputy Director General, has been appointed as CEPI’s Acting Director General with immediate effect.
