Dr Liz Wilks

Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs APP & Lecturer in International Business & Sustainability

United Kingdom

About

Core passion is to make an impact, both on the environment and livelihoods, in order to make the world a better place. A highly successful Director with 25+ years’ experience and a proven track record covering marketing, public relations, public affairs, communications and sustainability, for leading global paper and packaging companies. Skilled at developing overall strategy, senior executive coaching, international teams, stakeholder engagement and core projects with renowned thought leaders, representing international brands and leading change. A critical thinker with the ability to solve complex problems through financial acumen and highly developed influencing and negotiation capabilities. Experienced in sourcing raw materials from emerging markets, managing international supply chains, liaising with stakeholders, developing PR and Communications and Sustainability strategies to drive business growth. A highly successful business career is underpinned by a strong academic background, fluency in French and, experience gained at Board level.

Experience

  • Head of Sustainability & Public Affairs Europe at Asia Pulp & Paper
    May 2011 - Present · 15 yrs 2 mos

    Managing a team and working with external parties, to outreach to media, government, customers and stakeholders across Europe. APP's sustainability roadmap is an important commitment which requires continual input from all of these parties to meet our zero deforestation action programme. Additional responsibilities also come with reporting, budgeting, training and strategic development of the markets. Currently a member of the Consumer Goods Forum working groups on Forest Positive, Production Landscapes, Sustainable Supply Chain, Human Rights as well as The Word Business Council. In 2025 also received a lifetime acheivement award of bi-lateral relations between the UK & Indonesia.

  • Chair-Advisory-Academic - Volunteer- Other Roles at SUSTAINABILITY ECO LTD
    May 2003 - Present · 23 yrs 2 mos

    - Member of the advisory group - Msc Climate Justice, Glasgow Caledonian University -Chair of the Member Interest Group - on behalf of APP. Campden BRI (2019-2021) - MBA/Masters - Senior lecturer/Supervisor Bristol University & Amsterdam University (VU)- (2018-present) - Member of the Advisory Board - University West of England (2016- 2024). - Trustee - Broadway Arts Museum - 2019-2025 - Chair - Broadway Parish Council, Wychavon ( 2021-2025), councillor from 2019 - VIsiting Professor - at La Rochelle Business School, MBA International Sourcing, Sustainability. France-(2015-2019) - Board member - RSPH until 2012 - 3(V) Military Intelligence Corps - Territorial Army 2003-2008

  • European Manager - Sustainability and Stakeholder Outreach at Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) at Asia Pulp and Paper
    Jun 2010 - Aug 2012 · 2 yrs 3 mos

    Working with all relevant stakeholders across Europe to explain and demonstrate APP's committment to Sustainability both on the ground in Indonesia and China, but also to the Industry worldwide.

  • Antalis International (6 yrs 7 mos)
    • Global Sustainability and CRM Director
      Nov 2007 - May 2010 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      • Overall responsibility for Corporate Responsibility and Customer Relationship Management across 53 countries worldwide • CR Strategy development worldwide covering main areas such as supplier code of conduct, procurement, logistics, energy and waste policies • KPI of CR strategy roll out to ALL countries and divisions (paper, packaging, office supplies, vis com) • Liaison with paper manufacturing on environmental product development as well as CR positioning • Responsible for the European Merchant representation and development on the TAC for the Global Packaging Standard, Eugropa and Cepi in Brussels, Certification Board for the RSPH • Development of CRM group strategy and implement of marketing campaigns systems in key countries with roll to additional regions

    • International Office Papers and Environmental Manager
      Nov 2005 - Nov 2007 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      Management of Office papers across the Antalis group including strategic proposals to business scenarios for over 35 countries.

    • UK Direct Marketing and Environmental Manager
      Nov 2003 - Nov 2005 · 2 yrs 1 mo

  • Packaging Manager at Wiggins Teape
    Nov 1999 - Nov 2003 · 4 yrs 1 mo