Thomas J. Plath

Thomas J. Plath

Thomas J. Plath Senior Vice President, Human Resources and Global Citizenship, International Paper Company


Tom joined International Paper in 1991 as an human resources associate at the Thilmany Mill in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. After working in a variety of business HR roles in the specialty industrial papers business, he was named director, human resources, IP Europe in 1997. In 2000, he was named director strategic planning, IP Europe.

Between 2001 and 2010, Tom served in the company’s distribution business, xpedx, where he held roles in operations, marketing and general management. He was named vice president of human resources for xpedx in 2006.

In September 2010, he was named director, human resources manufacturing, for International Paper. He was appointed as an officer of the company in April 2013 and was named vice president, HR manufacturing, technology, EHS&S and global supply chain. From November 2014 until February 2017, Tom served as vice president, human resources, global businesses. He was elected senior vice president, human resources and global citizenship on March 1, 2017.

Tom is a member of the board of directors for the Health Transformation Alliance and for Reading is Fundamental (RIF). He is also a member of the board of regents for Wisconsin Lutheran College in Milwaukee.

Tom received his bachelor's degree in education from Martin Luther College and his MBA from Vanderbilt University.