Päivi Suutari appointed Managing Director of MM Kotkamills

Päivi Suutari has worked for more than 30 years in the Cartonboard and Packaging industry (Stora Enso, Huhtamaki) and brings a wealth of experience leading businesses and people in several countries in Europe and Asia. She joined Kotkamills in 2019 as Vice President for Research, Development and Innovation and has played a key role in advancing the company’s development and innovation activities.

“I am pleased to announce Päivi Suutari’s appointment as Managing Director of MM Kotkamills,” says MM Group CEO Peter Oswald. “She is an experienced leader and is familiar with international integration situations. Her task now is to work with the MM Group to create a joint strategy enabling the Group to take a leading position in the virgin fibre cartonboard market and to continue the successful production of saturating kraft paper and sawn timber.”

“Being appointed as the Managing Director of MM Kotkamills at this company’s pivotal point is a great honour,” says Päivi Suutari. “The know-how within the MM Group and in MM Kotkamills is excellent, and the production facilities are in good shape. Combining the Group’s product portfolio and the competencies of the personnel creates a good foundation for implementing the ongoing investments, innovations and developments and for aligning the strategy, while ensuring that the company’s financial position remains strong.”

Päivi Suutari’s predecessor, MM Kotkamills board business visionary, CEO Markku Hämäläinen, is leaving the company on a positive note.

“After persistent efforts, we found the MM Group and realized that it is the best possible owner for the new Kotkamills. They have brought more strength and development opportunities to the business. The best thing at Kotkamills – and the reason why we have so successfully achieved our goals – is our personnel. Kotkamills has an amazing team, the best possible paper and board makers and sawmill professionals. I want to thank the entire personnel for this tremendous six-year journey, and I wish everyone the best of luck. With Päivi in the lead, the continuation of this success story will be secure with the MM Group also in the future.”