Riikka Joukio appointed Secretary General of EPIS

The European Pulp Industry Sector AISBL (EPIS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Riikka Joukio as its new Secretary General, effective 1 January 2026.

EPIS’s highly respected Secretary General Anna Maija Wessman will retire at the end of 2025 after ten successful years of dedicated service. The EPIS Board of Directors warmly thanks Anna Maija for her many contributions and wishes her all the best for the future.

Riikka Joukio, M.Sc. (Tech), eMBA, brings extensive leadership experience from the forest and retail industries. She has held several business and corporate positions at Metsä Group and Kesko Corporation, as well as numerous positions of trust in industrial and trade federations.

“The pulp industry plays a vital role in providing renewable materials for a more sustainable future. With her strong background in sustainability and proven industry leadership, Riikka is well positioned to further strengthen EPIS’s voice in Europe and beyond,” said Alfonso Valdes, EPIS Chairperson.

“I am happy to return to the international forest sector and to work with EPIS members and stakeholders in advancing the role of renewable materials in a low-carbon, circular economy,” said Riikka Joukio.

Further information: Alfonso Valdes, EPIS Chairperson, e-mail: alfonso.valdes@arauco.com

EPIS is an international non-profit association of market pulp producers, promoting positive awareness of renewable and sustainable cellulose products for the benefit of society.