CLAY ELLIS
Senior V.P., Enterprise Operational Excellence, International Paper
Clay Ellis is International Paper’s senior vice president, Enterprise Operational Excellence. Under his leadership, this organization consists of Environmental Health & Safety, Information Technology, Global Fiber Supply, Global Sourcing, Global Supply Chain Center of Excellence and Global Technology. He is responsible for leading safety, engagement and reliable, world-class operations through the implementation of IP’s Global Manufacturing System across 41 mills.
Clay joined International Paper in 1992 as a process engineer at the Natchez, Miss, Mill, and went on to hold numerous positions within the mill system. He became an officer of the company in 2012 when he was named vice president, manufacturing, North American Papers. He was vice president, manufacturing, Global Cellulose Fibers, prior to being named to his current role.
He is a board member for Illim Pulp & Paper, a Russian company and joint venture with International Paper. Clay previously served on the board of directors for the National Paper Trade Association and AF&PA printing, writing and pulp sectors.
Clay earned a bachelor of science in chemical engineering from Louisiana State University, and completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
Clay and his wife, Cheryl, have three sons and reside in Eads, Tenn.