Beckham will lead the company's recently announced Vision 2030, which demonstrates its commitment to building a better future for people, the planet and the company.

Mark Sutton, chairman and chief executive officer at International Paper, said, “Customers, investors and employees depend on us to be leaders in environmental stewardship and to strengthen our people and communities; appointing a chief sustainability officer is the next step in our continuing progress."

"Sophie is uniquely qualified to lead the pursuit of our Vision 2030 goals and drive sustainability efforts that create value for all of our stakeholders," Sutton added.

Beckham will lead the development and execution of the company's sustainability strategy, including efforts to integrate the Vision 2030 goals into the strategic, operating, people and financial plans across the company's global businesses. Through these goals, International Paper would be advancing its contributions to the circular, low-carbon economy while building on its commitments to its people and communities.

"For more than 120 years, forest stewardship has been at the core of how we have operated our company," said Beckham. "Today, we recognise the broader role we can play in advancing sustainable outcomes – both environmental and social. This is an important time for International Paper, and I'm extremely excited to amplify our ambition to be among the most successful, sustainable and responsible companies in the world."

Beckham joined International Paper in 2013 to manage the company's forest stewardship and sustainability efforts.