International Paper CEO joins Kroger board

CINCINNATI  — Kroger on Thursday elected International Paper chairman and CEO Mark Sutton to its board.



"We are delighted to welcome Mark to Kroger," stated Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Mark's deep experience in an end-to-end business and global perspective make him a valued addition to Kroger's board of directors."



Sutton heads one of the leading global producers of renewable fiber-based packaging, pulp and paper products. Prior to becoming CEO, he served as president and COO with responsibility for running the company's global business.



Sutton joined International Paper in 1984 as an electrical engineer. He held roles of increasing responsibility throughout his career, including mill manager, VP corrugated packaging operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, VP corporate strategic planning and SVP of several business units, including global supply chain, before being named CEO in 2014.



Sutton is a member of The Business Council and the Business Roundtable. He serves on the boards of the American Forest & Paper Association and the International Advisory Board of the Moscow School of Management – Skolkovo. He also serves on the boards of Memphis Tomorrow and the New Memphis Institute.



Sutton is elected to serve until Kroger's annual meeting of shareholders in June 2017. At that time, he will stand for election by the shareholders.