The U.S.-Russia Business Council (USRBC or Council) announced today that Mark Sutton, Chairman and CEO of International Paper, has been unanimously approved by its Board of Directors to be the next Chairman of the USRBC. Mr. Sutton assumed the Chairmanship at the USRBC Annual Meeting in San Francisco on November 10-12, 2016.

"Mark understands the strategic importance of U.S.-Russia commercial relations and the imperative of business-to-business engagement between Russians and Americans," said Dan Russell, President and CEO of the USRBC. "The U.S.-Russia Business Council is delighted that its new Chairman leads a company with a proud trajectory in Russia. International Paper is a major investor in Russia and has partnered with Ilim Group, the largest integrated paper and pulp manufacturer in Russia, to run an exemplary joint venture. International Paper models excellent corporate practices in Russia, and we look forward to Mark's leadership of the USRBC."

"The U.S.-Russia Business Council is a respected, balanced voice on bilateral economic issues and I am delighted to be assuming the Chairmanship of this organization," said Mark Sutton.

Separately, Mr. Russell thanked Klaus Kleinfeld, Chairman and CEO of Arconic, Inc., for his dedicated service and leadership of the Council. "Klaus' enthusiasm energized U.S.-Russia commercial relations from the early days of the Obama Administration. His steady leadership and commitment to keeping private sector relationships on track during challenging times have been key to the U.S.-Russia Business Council successes," said Mr. Russell.

The U.S.-Russia Business Council (USRBC) is a 501(c) 3 non-profit trade association of approximately 160 companies committed to offering a non-partisan open platform for discussion and advancement of U.S.-Russia commercial relations.USRBC actively seeks Russia's continued integration into the rules-based global economy. Learn more at www.usrbc.org.