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Andrew Silvernail

Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, International Paper

Search every verified Andrew Silvernail interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. Andrew Silvernail, Chairman and CEO of International Paper, discussed the company's transformation strategy at an investor day in March 2025, describing the shift from a paper company to a packaging company following the DS Smith acquisition. He outlined plans to increase EBITDA to $4 billion in the medium term from $2 billion over the past 12 months, with $1.2 billion expected from cost savings and $800 million from a new commercial strategy. Silvernail stated that the company previously "chased volume at the most inopportune time" and now aims to be paid for the value it brings, targeting 3–4% growth over time through volume and pricing power. He noted that International Paper is about two-thirds North America and one-third Europe, ships little across borders, and is not directly impacted by tariffs but could be affected indirectly through economic impacts. In a December 2024 interview, Silvernail discussed his approach to lean management and operational improvement at International Paper, describing the business as having "underperformed for literally two decades" while possessing an "incredibly valuable packaging franchise." He emphasized the importance of facing "brutal facts" and gaining board support for change. Earlier, as CEO of IDEX Corporation, Silvernail discussed the company's leadership transition in October 2020, reflecting on his 12 years there and the "IDEX difference" framework centered on great teams, 80/20 principles, and customer focus. He also noted a strong sequential rebound in orders in September 2020, attributing resilience to company culture and values.

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