Suzano and Kimberly-Clark’s (K-C) $3.4bn joint venture has today officially launched its independent operations, creating a new global leader in the tissue and hygiene market.
Upon launch, Arbex becomes one of the world’s largest tissue and hygiene businesses, operating across more than 70 markets on five continents, with its headquarters in the Netherlands and an operational office in London.
It has assumed ownership of what was K-C’s portfolio of over 40 regional brands, including Andrex, Hakle and Scottex. It also holds a long-term license to use global brands like Kleenex, Cottonelle and Scott.
The company will manufacture, market, and distribute consumer and professional products to its customers in more than 70 countries across five continents.
From day one, the business will operate 22 manufacturing sites across 14 countries, with an installed capacity of around 1m tonnes of tissue annually, including both production and conversion.
Ehab Abou-Oaf, previously President of International Family Care & Professional at K-C, will directly transition in as Arbex’s Chief Executive, with the role to be based in the United Kingdom alongside the majority of the global executive team.
Luís Bueno, previously Executive Vice President of Suzano’s consumer goods business, becomes Chief Operating Officer.
Walter Schalka, who spent over a decade as Chief Executive of Suzano before stepping down in 2024, will chair Arbex’s Board of Directors.
Additional appointments to the senior leadership team of Arbex include:
- Oscar Mousinho, Chief Financial Officer (formerly Global Chief Financial Officer Pet Nutrition, Mars)
- Caroline Carpenedo, Chief People, Sustainability, Communications & Corporate Brand Officer (formerly Executive Vice President, People & Management, Safety, Suzano)
- Chris Burniston, Chief Legal Counsel (formerly Vice President & General Counsel, International Family Care & Professional, Kimberly-Clark)
- Andrew Behles, Chief of Strategy & Transformation Officer (formerly Senior Director, FP&A and Strategy, Chief of Staff, International Family Care & Professional, Kimberly-Clark)
- Fiona Emmett, Chief Growth Officer (formerly Vice President International Family Care & Professional Growth, Kimberly-Clark)
- Pablo Cadaval, Chief Technology Officer, Supply Chain and R&D (formerly R&D Director, Head of R&D, Suzano)
- Dan Howell, President, Europe (formerly Managing Director & Vice President UK & Ireland, International Family Care & Professional, Kimberly-Clark)
- Rez Hassan, President, Asia, (formerly Managing Director & Vice President Asia, International Family Care & Professional, Kimberly-Clark)
- Marina Negrisoli, President, Latin America (formerly Joint Venture Integration Office Director, Suzano)
- Mark Taylor, President, UK & Ireland (formerly Commercial Director UK & Ireland, International Family Care & Professional, Kimberly-Clark).
Abou-Oaf said: “This new company brings together a distinguished heritage, a portfolio of trusted brands, and a compelling vision for the future.
“Our parent companies have given us a sturdy foundation and a leading market position.
“In an increasingly dynamic and evolving global landscape, Arbex is embarking on a new journey from a position of strength, and we believe we can shape the future of the tissue and hygiene sector.
“Our immediate priority is ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for our colleagues, customers and consumers around the world.
“Our team will work hard to grow our business, continuing to earn the trust of hundreds of millions of households worldwide who use our products every day, and remaining committed to delivering quality, sustainability and value.”
Bueno added: “Arbex brings together world-class talent with brands that already hold significant market share in over 70 countries around the world.
“From day one we will be a successful global business, which gives us an exciting launchpad for accelerated growth and an opportunity to build on momentum.”
Arbex is joint venture between Suzano, the world’s largest pulp supplier, and K-C, a global leader in consumer goods and personal care.
