Patti Groh

About Patti Groh

I’ve worked for over 30 years as a communicator, marketer and brand strategist for Sappi, a global leader of sustainable paper and packaging solutions. I’m optimistic about the growth and future of the circular economy, and I love to talk about how renewable and recyclable materials made from woodfiber can make a positive impact on our planet by reducing single-use plastic waste and replacing other nonrenewable materials. I’m an enthusiastic advocate for the science of touch, known as haptics: how the things we touch shape the way we feel. Our first impressions are often based on what we see and touch. We notice, remember and comprehend more on paper and packaging because we sustain deeper levels of interest when holding a physical and tangible medium. Working with renowned neuroscientists and packaging scientists, I see how brands that leverage touch in their communications forge much more memorable and meaningful connections with customers. I love the art and science of papermaking and the ingenious design solutions for sustainable packaging and products that are possible with woodfiber. These solutions now go beyond paper and packaging to applications in everything ranging from apparel to cosmetics. And while I’ve been in the industry for quite some time, I find it incredibly inspiring to be part of an industry that is constantly evolving. Some of my most fulfilling days at Sappi involve spending time in the woods with our foresters – learning about the forests that they tend to and harvest with expertise and, most importantly, that they assist in regenerating for healthy regrowth. In North America, there are more trees today than there were 100 years ago. By working at Sappi, I get to be part of the change I want to see in the world.

Experience

1. Director of Communications

   Sappi

   Aug 2021 — Present · Boston, MA, US

Education

• San Diego State University

  BA, Political Science

  1986 — 1990

• University of San Francisco

  MBA, Business Management

  1995 — 1999

Skills

• Strategic Communications
• Marketing Communications
• Direct Mail
• Leadership
• Pricing
• Publishing
• Creative Problem Solving
• Newsletters
• Collateral
• Product Management
• Advertising
• Project Management
• Digital Printing
• Sales Management
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Business Development
• Marketing Strategy
• Business Strategy
• Pre-Press
• Production Managment
• International Sales
• Budgets
• Team Building
• Graphic Design
• Creative Direction
• Market Research
• Public Relations
• Social Media Marketing
• Variable Data Printing
• Branding & Identity
• Change Management
• Brochures
• Direct Marketing
• B2b
• Process Improvement
• Packaging
• Integrated Marketing
• Product Marketing
• Forecasting
• Social Media