In this episode we speak to Steve Nicholson, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability for Cottonsoft, Sorbent and Solaris Paper in New Zealand and Australia. 

Steve has faced many challenges, most recently the demand from consumers and NGOs for evidence of more sustainable practices among large transnational corporations. The task of greater corporate responsibility in this arena (as set for Asia Pulp Paper and its fellow big businesses by the Indonesian government of the day), and the place of certification and CSR among affiliate businesses in developed nations, are issues which Steve has been intimately involved over several years, and he has many tales of battle and triumph to share.

We hope you enjoy this chat with Stephanie Jones, Jemma Crook and Steve Nicholson. Make sure to like, rate and subscribe to the c-Suite Spot to stay up-to-date with all our episodes. 

About our guest, Steve Nicholson​:

Steve has been with Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) for the past 15 years, currently as Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability, with responsibility for affiliates Sorbent, Solaris Paper and Cottonsoft businesses in their respective markets. 

Steve embarked on his commercial life in Australia early in life, entering the beverage alcohol industry, where he has spent most of his working life. He worked for Remy and Seagram in senior roles across Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Thailand, the UK and Indo China. Served as CEO of the Australian Seagram operations before selling the regional business to Fosters Breweries in 2000.

Following nearly 40 years in corporate life Steve invested in the aged care business in New Zealand, buying and managing rest home properties, and through an old Seagram colleague was introduced to APP as a consultant in 2002. The consultation was supposed to be for a year but took over his life after convincing APP to acquire the New Zealand Cottonsoft business, as he puts it, and with his increased responsibilities he divested his New Zealand businesses in 2009.

Useful links

Sorbent: https://sorbent.co.nz/ 

Solaris Paper: https://solarispaper.com.au/ 

Cottonsoft: https://www.cottonsoft.co.nz/

Asia Pulp and Paper: https://asiapulppaper.com/ 

Steve’s LinkedIn and email: linkedin.com/in/steve-nicholson-4379ba63 and snicholson47@bigpond.com 

Alexander PR Instagram: @alexanderpr_