Sappi North America, Inc., a leading producer and supplier of diversified paper, packaging products and dissolving wood pulp, today announced the appointment of Alexander "Sandy" Taft as director of sustainability.

Taft will work cross-functionally within Sappi's North American operations to drive sustainability strategy and execution. Taft will also work with counterparts in Sappi's European and South African offices to ensure consistency with global sustainability goals.

Taft joins Sappi from National Grid, a U.K.-headquartered energy delivery company, where he was most recently the Director of Environmental and Sustainability Policy for its U.S. subsidiary. He brings a strong background in U.S. energy and environmental policy, as well as a collaborative approach to global policy development. 

"Sandy is the perfect addition to our sustainability team. His experience in developing sustainability policy and managing environmental compliance and permitting for air, solid waste and water provides a solid foundation for his new post at Sappi North America," said Jennifer Miller, chief business sustainability officer, Sappi North America.

"Sappi has a strong foundation in and vision for sustainability, and we look forward to working together to drive the conversation, pursue these goals and set a strategy that continues to position Sappi as a leader in the industry."

Taft will also join the Two Sides North America Board of Directors as a member this fall. Two Sides is a non-profit, global initiative by companies from the graphic communications industry including forestry, pulp and paper, among others.

The common goal of the organization is to promote the sustainability of the graphics communications industry and dispel common environmental misconceptions by providing users with verifiable information on why print and paper is an attractive, practical and sustainable communications medium.

Two Sides is further committed to ensuring that print and paper remains a versatile, effective and powerful means of marketing and communication.

"I am very excited to join the Sappi North America team. I'm eager to dive into this new sector and learn more about how to responsibly manage natural resources, while leveraging my background in renewable energy as it applies to Sappi's business," said Taft. "By also joining the TwoSides board, I hope to make an impact on the industry as a whole as we work to position the paper industry as a viable, sustainable resource for graphic communications."