Laila Rogestedt has been appointed Head of Innovation and New Business at Södra. She will assume her position on 1 March, when she will also become a member of Group Senior Management reporting to the President and CEO Lars Idermark.

Laila Rogestedt has a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from Chalmers University of Technology, with a degree in Polymer Technology, and has held various positions in the international chemicals group Borealis since 1991. She is currently responsible for the Borealis Innovation Centre in Stenungsund, and for product and technology development in polyethylene plastic. She has also held various functions in such areas as production, investment projects, HR and marketing. Prior to joining Borealis, she worked with materials development at Volvo Cars.

"I am delighted that Södra has recruited Laila Rogestedt. Innovation and New Business are strategic future areas for Södra - in our work with product and process care for the existing pulp market, but also in the development of new products from wood," said CEO Lars Idermark.

"In a rapidly changing world with major global challenges - resource supply and climate change to name but a few - it is critical that innovation is high on the agenda of successful companies. Against this background, and with Södra's key role and clear ambition, I look forward to making a contribution to this effort," commented Rogestedt.

Rogestedt succeeds Karin Emilsson who, as previously announced, will be leaving Södra. Södra Innovation and New Business is located at Värö in southern Sweden in the same area as Södra's pulp mill.

For further information, please Contact:

Lars Idermark, President and CEO
tfn: +46 (0) 470-894 35
Laila Rogestedt, incoming Senior Vice President Innovation and New Business at Södra
tfn: +46 (0) 766-378 138
Annica Gerentz, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications
tfn: +46 (0) 470-894 81