Professional Profile and Current Role
Santiago Arbelaez is a senior executive at International Paper, currently serving as Vice President of Strategy for International Paper's Industrial Packaging Business. Although specific responsibilities tied to the Baltimore Recycling Facility are not documented, his role within International Paper explicitly centers on strategic oversight for the Industrial Packaging segment, which encompasses sustainable packaging solutions and likely involves coordination with various company facilities, including recycling operations.
Since joining the company in 1992 as a financial analyst, Arbelaez has advanced through multiple leadership positions, evidencing deep institutional knowledge and broad expertise in the pulp, paper, packaging, and recycling industries. He has been an officer of International Paper since April 1, 2015, highlighting a longstanding executive tenure.
Leadership and Industry Influence
On December 12, 2023, Santiago Arbelaez was appointed Chairman of the Paper and Packaging Board (P+PB) Board of Directors, a significant industry leadership role. Preceding that appointment, he served as Vice Chair of the board as part of the 2025 leadership roster. The Paper and Packaging Board is influential in driving promotional, sustainability, and research efforts across the U.S. paper and packaging industry.
Arbelaez's chairmanship signals his recognized expertise and leadership in industry-wide strategic initiatives, positioning him as a key decision-maker influencing packaging trends, sustainability standards, and sector collaboration. His concurrent role on the P+PB Board includes collaboration across committees and working groups, overseeing paper and packaging promotional programs funded by industry assessments.
Educational Background
Santiago Arbelaez holds an education from Duke University, providing a foundation for his expertise in finance and strategy within the packaging sector.
Location and Network
Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Arbelaez maintains an active professional network, with over 249 connections on LinkedIn, underscoring his engagement with peers in the packaging and manufacturing industries.
Career Highlights and Achievements
- More than three decades with International Paper since 1992.
- Elevated to corporate officer status in 2015.
- Appointment as Chairman of the Paper and Packaging Board, reflecting leadership respect beyond his company.
- Leadership in strategy specifically targeted at the Industrial Packaging business segment, which is central to International Paper’s global business operations.
Relevant Context for the Baltimore Recycling Facility
While there is no explicit documentation linking Santiago Arbelaez directly to the Baltimore Recycling Facility in terms of day-to-day management or operational responsibilities, his strategic role over the Industrial Packaging business includes oversight of key sustainability initiatives and packaging solutions likely intersecting with recycling processes. His leadership in the P+PB also emphasizes boosting the industry’s recycling and sustainable packaging efforts, aligning with International Paper’s operational goals across all facilities.
In conclusion, Santiago Arbelaez’s profile reflects a high-level strategic leader within International Paper with significant influence through his chairmanship of a national industry board. His extensive experience and leadership roles place him at the confluence of sustainability strategy, packaging innovation, and industry-wide collaboration efforts, making him a pivotal figure in guiding International Paper’s packaging and recycling initiatives.
