Georgia-Pacific announced a change in its operations leadership. Jeff Koeppel, senior vice president of operations, will retire in the first quarter of 2025. A role he has held since 2016, Koeppel’s been a critical part of the transformation of Georgia-Pacific's manufacturing operations.

Hudson Pope, currently senior vice president for manufacturing at Georgia-Pacific, will assume the senior vice president of operations position with responsibility for all manufacturing segments.

Pope brings nearly 30 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry. He began his career with Georgia-Pacific as a co-op process engineer for the company’s Crossett, Arkansas, facility. He has grown his career with Georgia-Pacific and several other organizations, assuming consecutive leadership roles in manufacturing, logistics, and operations. In December 2018, Pope was promoted to Georgia-Pacific's senior vice president, building products operations. In 2023, his role changed to assume responsibility for the company’s packaging and cellulose operations.

Pope holds a B.S. in chemical engineering, with a minor in pulp and paper technology from Auburn University. An active alum, he serves on the board of directors of the Auburn Pulp & Paper Foundation as the executive committee president.

Koeppel will support Pope in making a smooth transition during the next few months.