DS Smith, the sustainable packaging solutions provider owned by International Paper, has appointed James Lomax as managing director of its UK and Ireland packaging division. 

Lomax assumed the new responsibility on 1 December 2025, succeeding Paul Clarke. 

Lomax previously served as director of supply chain and operations for DS Smith’s Europe, Middle East and African packaging division. 

He has been with the group for eight years in positions covering sales, marketing, innovation and operations, and has 20 years’ experience in the fast-moving consumer goods and packaging industries. 

Lomax brings experience in business transformation and driving sustainable growth. 

He stated: “Following the integration with International Paper, we have embarked on a transformational journey – simplifying our organisation and becoming a more efficient and agile operation to deliver superior customer experience.

"We thank Paul for his significant contribution to DS Smith and wish him every success in the future. We have a strong foundation, and I look forward to building on that as we deliver our growth agenda and create long-term value for our business and stakeholders.” 

In November 2025, DS Smith created a fibre-based packaging solution for Austria’s Privatbrauerei Hirt to support the brewer’s new online shop and growing e-commerce operations.  

The offering was designed to protect 0.5 litre and 0.75 litre glass bottles during storage and transport.   

It included cap and base securing features, shock-absorbing edges and internal tabs, and with no plastic component is also fully recyclable.