Voith Paper enters new leadership phase with Tero Kokko as President & CEO

A strategic leadership shift in paper technology

The global paper machinery sector is preparing for a significant executive transition as we move through the second half of 2026. Effective October 1, 2026, Tero Kokko will officially take the helm as President and CEO of Voith Paper, succeeding industry veteran Andreas Endters. The leadership change, first announced by the Voith Group in June, marks the end of an era for the German engineering giant and signals a strategic pivot heavily influenced by automation and process control expertise.

Andreas Endters will leave the company at his own request on September 30, concluding a remarkable tenure of more than 35 years with Voith. Endters has been a central figure in shaping the modern trajectory of the company, serving as President and CEO of Voith Paper since October 2017. His influence extended beyond the paper division; between September 2024 and March 2025, he also stepped in as Interim Head of Group Executive Management for Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA. Under his leadership, Voith Paper solidified its position as a primary technology partner for paper and board manufacturers worldwide, navigating the complex industry shift from graphic papers to packaging grades.

The automation imperative

The appointment of Tero Kokko brings a distinct technical and competitive edge to Voith's executive board. Kokko crosses over from Finnish rival Valmet, where he most recently directed the global pulp business area. He brings over 20 years of international leadership experience spanning strategy, transformation, and business development.

What stands out to industry analysts is Kokko's academic foundation: he holds a doctorate in Automation and Control Engineering from the Tampere University of Technology. In 2026, the efficiency of paper machines is no longer dictated solely by heavy mechanical engineering. The modern paper mill relies on advanced data analytics, predictive maintenance, and closed-loop control systems to maximize fiber yield and minimize energy consumption. Kokko's deep background in automation aligns perfectly with the sector's accelerating demand for digital transformation.

• Outgoing leadership: Andreas Endters leaves after 35 years, having led Voith Paper since 2017.
• Incoming expertise: Tero Kokko brings two decades of experience and a PhD in Automation and Control Engineering.
• Strategic context: The move highlights the increasing convergence of heavy machinery and digital process control in the pulp and paper sector.

Siegfried Russwurm, Chairman of the Shareholders' Committee and Supervisory Board of Voith, publicly acknowledged Endters' lasting impact, praising his combination of deep industry expertise and strategic vision. As Kokko prepares to take over, his mandate will likely focus on integrating smarter technologies natively into Voith's equipment portfolio, ensuring the company remains competitive in a market where sustainability and operational efficiency are paramount.

Bringing a leader with a deep automation background from a direct competitor positions Voith to aggressively expand its digital and process control footprint in the coming years. Will the integration of advanced software natively into heavy machinery become the ultimate differentiator for equipment suppliers by 2030? Follow The Paper for daily news, market signals and key updates from the global paper, corrugated and packaging industry. — Sigue toda la actualidad del sector en www.thepaper.ai