HELSINKI (News release) -- Stora Enso will implement changes to its Group Leadership Team and organizational structure effective 1 January 2026, preparing for the planned demerger of its Swedish forest assets.

Tuomas Hallenberg has been appointed President and CEO of the forest business slated for separation in 2027, while Pauli Torikka becomes Executive Vice President of the newly formed Wood and Energy business area. The appointments were announced by Stora Enso.

Lars Völkel will assume the role of Executive Vice President for the Containerboard division, succeeding Hannu Kasurinen, who will retire after 32 years with the company.

The new Wood and Energy unit will consolidate the group's wood sourcing and trading, wood products supply chain, energy business, and Central European sawmilling operations.

Hallenberg, who joined Stora Enso in 2024, and Torikka, who joined in 2020, both bring extensive prior experience from leadership roles within the forest industry.