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How 3 Memphis Companies Are Making Diversity and Inclusion a Priority

by Ted Evanoff, Desiree Stennett and Max Garland

How 3 Memphis Companies Are Making Diversity and Inclusion a Priority

by Ted Evanoff, Desiree Stennett and Max Garland

Published 03-09-20

Submitted by International Paper Company

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Originally published by The Commercial Appeal

When Fred Towler was tapped to lead diversity and inclusion efforts for International Paper in November 2018, he didn’t have formal human resources training. Instead, his 30 years with the company had been on the operations side.

Towler was hired in 1987 to work as an information technology analyst.

“If we were going to invest in a new technology, I had to work with the organization to understand the value and justify the value around it and also ensure that we were getting the value as well,” Towler said.

Since then he has worked in just about every department at International Paper — finance, manufacturing, sales and marketing, general management, distribution and, most recently, supply chain.

Still, his new role as chief diversity officer is different. His first step to get ready for it was to talk to people.

“I spent a lot of time talking to our employees,” he said. “Largely because we are a multinational organization, diversity means something different for everybody in every corner of the globe where we operate,” Towler said.

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International Paper Company

International Paper Company

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.


About International Paper - EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

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