MEMPHIS, Tenn., Aug. 27 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- International Paper (NYSE: IP) today announced Thomas A. Cleves has been named vice president of Investor Relations, effective Sept. 1. Cleves will report to Marianne Parrs, chief financial officer and executive vice president, and will be based in the company's Memphis, Tenn., headquarters.

"Tom's background within several of International Paper's businesses has provided him extensive knowledge of the company's portfolio, performance and strategy," Parrs said. "His experience within the company and industry, coupled with his customer-focused approach, position Tom to be an excellent liaison with our shareowners, further enabling them to cultivate an accurate and thorough understanding of our progress toward strengthening our global platform businesses and creating value for shareowners."

Cleves, 45, joined International Paper in 1983. He has held roles of increasing responsibility in commercial operations within the company's Printing Papers and Distribution segments, including director of strategic planning for Printing Papers, group vice president of xpedx and, most recently, business manager for the company's imaging papers business. He has an M.B.A. from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management and a Bachelor's in Business Management from Northern Kentucky University.

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP), founded in 1898, is a global uncoated paper and packaging company with primary markets and manufacturing operations in North America, Europe, Russia, Latin America, North Africa and Asia. Its uncoated papers and packaging businesses are complemented by xpedx, North America's largest distributor of printing papers and graphics supplies and equipment. Headquartered in the United States, International Paper employs approximately 54,000 people in more than 20 countries, and serves customers worldwide. Annual sales are about $22 billion. International Paper partners with customers and environmental, academic, civic and governmental organizations, as well as landowners and harvesting professionals, to encourage responsible forest stewardship, improve the health and productivity of forestlands and increase recovery of our recyclable products. The company has a long-standing policy of using no wood from endangered forests. To learn more about International Paper, its products and commitment to economic, social and environmental sustainability, visit www.internationalpaper.com.

SOURCE:
International Paper

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Brian McDonald
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