Who we are

Frank Graves

Born in Toronto, raised in Montreal with a BBA from St. Francis Xavier University and further higher education courses. Started his career in banking after leaving university subsequently moving over to the pulp and paper industry where he worked for 30 years with – Consolidated Bathurst, Abitibi-Price, Jari Cellulose, Tembec and Ilim Group in Canada, Switzerland, Belgium, Brazil and Russia. In 1992 worked for the Caemi group in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on the re-organization and re-structuring of Jari Cellulose leading to a successful IPO. In 1996 returned to Canada as VP sales and marketing for Tembec and subsequently Executive VP & COO of Tembec International. Was founding Chairman of the Pulp and Paper Products Council, the successor product group to The Canadian Pulp and Paper Association.

Was recruited to lead Ilim Pulp Enterprise, St. Petersburg, Russia as COO in 2002. Successfully fought a highly public International takeover battle against corporate raiders (see The War in The Woods). Re-organized the company bringing in Western technologies and operating methods to create one of the top 25 companies in Russia of which 50% was subsequently sold to International Paper, USA. Was first in Russia to use corporate governance as a value creation tool and led the introduction of green technologies to the country (FSC, GER). Since 2007 returned to Canada and is active on the Board of Ekman & Co., AB, Gothenburg, Sweden as well as consulting for companies and government in mining, pulp and paper, manufacturing and distribution in Canada, USA and Europe. Sought after speaker at International conferences on corporate governance, value creation and strategy.