After what the company described in a release as the successful completion of an extensive financial restructuring process, Norske Skog (Norway) has been transformed into a financially solid, leading publication paper producer. Having established this solid foundation for the operating business, the board of Norske Skog has appointed Niels Petter Wright as new president and CEO of the Norske Skog group effective Dec. 1, 2018. Niels Petter Wright’s previous experience includes almost 17 years in Elopak, of which the last ten years serving as the company’s CEO.

"We are pleased to welcome Niels Petter Wright as the new CEO of Norske Skog. Together, we share the ambition to make Norske Skog as competitive as possible in a challenging industry, and to continue to develop the core business and explore new opportunities in a disciplined manner," said Sven Ombudstvedt, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Norske Skog AS.

"Wright’s strong track record as leader of an international industrial group driven by process and product innovation, along with a constant focus on addressing the evolving demands of customers makes him an excellent choice for Norske Skog," Ombudstvedt added.

"I am very motivated to accept this challenge. Norske Skog has many skilled employees with high competencies and drive to improve the business. My priorities will include continuing to strengthen the customer dialogue, making production as efficient and competitive as possible, driving continual process and production innovation, and working constructively with suppliers and other stakeholders to ensure a sound financial and political framework", said Niels Petter Wright.

Niels Petter Wright will replace Lars P. Sperre who has been acting President and CEO for the Norske Skog group since May 2017. Lars P. Sperre will continue to work for Norske Skog as part of the corporate management team, as SVP of Corporate Strategy.

"The board and the owners of Norske Skog are very grateful for all the efforts Lars has made to lead the group through a very complex financial restructuring, and we are excited that he will continue to play an important role going forward. Lars has kept the operating business stable through very challenging periods and showed great leadership. The change of CEO will allow Lars to devote his efforts fully on the continuing strategic development of the group" said Ombudstvedt.