MEMPHIS – International Paper announced this week that it is appointing Mark S. Sutton as President and Chief Operating Officer. In this new role, Sutton will immediately assume responsibility for the operations of the company and will continue to report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Faraci. Most recently, Sutton served as International Paper senior vice president, industrial packaging.

"Mark has been a key member of our leadership team and has played an instrumental role in the transformation of International Paper over the last decade," Faraci said. "He has done an excellent job integrating the acquisition of Temple Inland, and with 30 years of proven success at International Paper in a variety of assignments, I'm confident Mark will continue to make International Paper a stronger, better company."

Media outlets also reported this week that Faraci is planning to retire in March of next year.

International Paper’s board policy requires its CEO to retire at age 65. Faraci will turn 65 in February 2015, so his retirement will be effective March 1, 2015.