Oct 18, 2004. /Lesprom Network/. Johannesburg - Sappi, the world's leading producer of coated fine paper, today announced that Veronica 'Ronee' M Hagen, currently Chief Customer Officer of Alcoa Inc, has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Sappi Fine Paper North America. Ms Hagen joins Sappi on 01 November 2004. Ms Hagen, previous owner of Metal Sales, a business that sold ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as metal processing and fabricating equipment, sold her business in 1996. She joined Alumax as Executive Vice President and in 1998 became part of Alcoa with Alcoa's acquisition of Alumax. At Alcoa, Ms Hagen was Business Unit President of Engineered Products with full profit and loss accountability for 21 operating plants. She was elected an officer of the company in 2000. Commenting on her appointment Jonathan Leslie, Chief Executive Officer of Sappi Limited said: "With a strong track record in operational management and commercial leadership, Ronee Hagen comes highly qualified to lead one of Sappi's most important businesses. She has proven global business leadership skills and experience and this, combined with her strong focus on world-class customer service, change management and team building, will enable her to take Sappi's North American business forward". Ms Hagen, an American, is currently based in Chicago. She has a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from the University of Southern California, and has participated in an Executive Education programme in Finance from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and an Executive Leadership programme at Harvard University. She will succeed Dr Job, who was seconded as President and Chief Executive Officer after the resignation of Kathy Walters whilst the search for a long-term replacement took place. Dr Job will continue in his role as Technical Director of Sappi, and will be available to effect a smooth transition to his successor.