Christian Fischer, CEO of Georgia-Pacific, Named PaperAge's Executive Papermaker of the Year

Christian Fischer. President and CEO, Georgia-Pacific.

Feb. 27, 2024 - PaperAge announced that Christian Fischer, President and Chief Executive Officer of Georgia-Pacific is the recipient of PaperAge's 37th annual "Executive Papermaker of the Year" award.

A feature article with exclusive insight from Mr. Fischer will be published in the upcoming Spring 2024 issue of PaperAge magazine.

PaperAge selects its Executive Papermaker based on corporate vision, strategic objectives and strong leadership within the individual's company and in the paper industry as a whole. The award has been an industry tradition since 1988.

John O'Brien, managing editor at PaperAge, said, "Under the leadership of Christian Fischer, Georgia-Pacific continues to significantly invest in its business, employees, and the communities where it operates to create long-term value for the company and its customers.

"In 2023, GP reinvested approximately $2 billion back into its operations. These projects include the construction of new production facilities; a new tissue machine in Green Bay, Wisconsin; and the modernization and expansion of various containerboard and tissue mills, along with Dixie converting facilities and other manufacturing plants.

"Importantly, the company encourages continuous learning among its workforce through various training opportunities and offers a scholarship program for the children of employees. In addition, GP gives back to the communities where it operates, such as supporting local schools directly through grants and in-kind donations, among other charitable measures.

"Last, but certainly not least, safety is a top priority throughout the company's operations. In fact, the American Forest and Paper Association awarded Georgia-Pacific the '2023 Leadership in Sustainability Award - Safety' for its Save My Life Digital Work Process. This initiative has proven so successful that it is being adopted at manufacturing operations outside of Georgia-Pacific."

About Christian Fischer

Born and educated in Germany, Christian Fischer also lived in Brazil and began his career with Georgia-Pacific in Europe in 1989 as a market pulp sales manager. In addition to English, he speaks German, Portuguese and Spanish.

Mr. Fischer assumed his current role as President and CEO of Georgia-Pacific in 2017. He previously served as executive vice president of the packaging and cellulose segment, responsible for GP's containerboard and kraft paper, corrugated packaging, bleached board and cellulose (pulp) businesses for seven years.

After relocating from Europe to Atlanta in 1992, Mr. Fischer advanced through the organization in market pulp and containerboard sales.

Mr. Fischer is involved in the forest products industry and serves on the board of the American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA). He is also a member of the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce board of directors and The Board of Councilors for The Carter Center.

SOURCE: PaperAge and Georgia-Pacific