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Georgia-Pacific Announces Major Leadership Changes in Divisions

Georgia-Pacific team collaborating on leadership initiatives.

News Summary

Georgia-Pacific has recently announced significant leadership changes in its corrugated and gypsum divisions. Keith Hamilton has been promoted to president of the corrugated business, while Julie Howard takes the helm of the gypsum division. David Neal steps up as executive vice president of building products, and Hudson Pope becomes senior vice president of operations. These promotions reflect the company’s commitment to talent development from within and are expected to drive innovation and collaboration across the organization.

Georgia-Pacific’s Leadership Shake-Up: Exciting New Moves in the Corrugated and Gypsum Divisions

In an exciting development from Atlanta, Georgia-Pacific has announced some notable leadership changes that are sure to shake things up in their corrugated and gypsum divisions! The company has promoted Keith Hamilton to president of the corrugated business. He’s taking over the reins from the previous president, Rob Barger, and it’s not just a title change. Hamilton will now oversee operations and commercial teams across an impressive network of 35 sites, including box plants and digital print and mailers.

Who is Keith Hamilton?

Keith Hamilton is no stranger to the company, having joined Georgia-Pacific back in 2018 as a regional operations leader. Prior to his recent promotion, he served as the vice president of operations for the corrugated business, showcasing his ability to manage and innovate effectively. His extensive background includes stints at General Motors Corp. and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., along with being a U.S. Navy veteran with a noteworthy experience in nuclear plant operations. Talk about a diverse skill set!

Hamilton expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and underscored the importance of teamwork to achieve results. It’s clear that he’s committed to leading by example and fostering a collaborative environment in his new role.

Changing of the Guard in Gypsum Division

But that’s not all! Julie Howard has been named as the new president of Georgia-Pacific’s gypsum business, transitioning from her previous position as the vice president of the Towels and Napkins division. Her focus on leadership now includes overseeing more than 3,000 employees and 12 gypsum mills scattered across the U.S. Howard has been with Georgia-Pacific since 2007 and has consistently made significant contributions primarily in the paper towel category and other disposable products.

David Neal’s Next Chapter

With Howard moving up, David Neal, who was previously president of the gypsum division, is stepping up as executive vice president of building products, and this change will take effect in early March. Neal has been acknowledged as a transformative leader, and his previous management of a $300 million expansion project has resulted in remarkable profits for the company in 2024. This is a thrilling transition for Neal, who will surely bring his unique perspective and expertise to his new position.

A Smooth Transition Ahead

In the operations department, Hudson Pope will step in as senior vice president after the retirement of Jeff Koeppel. Pope comes with nearly 30 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry, having started at Georgia-Pacific as a process engineer, gradually moving up within the company. He certainly knows the ins and outs of this industry!

Meanwhile, Koeppel has been the senior vice president of operations since 2016 and will assist during the transition period to ensure that everything flows smoothly as Pope takes the lead. It’s always great to see experienced leaders handing over the torch while facilitating a seamless handover process.

What Lies Ahead?

Georgia-Pacific is on an inspiring trajectory, with these high-level promotions reflecting the company’s commitment to nurturing talent from within. As Keith Hamilton takes the helm of the corrugated division and Julie Howard leads the gypsum business, we can expect innovative strategies and a collaborative culture to emerge. The leadership at Georgia-Pacific is dedicated to not just meeting, but exceeding, the expectations laid before them.

So, buckle up, folks! With all these exciting developments, Georgia-Pacific is gearing up for an impressive chapter ahead, driven by leadership that prioritizes teamwork, experience, and a vision for growth!