Veronica M. Hagen
Director at Large
Veronica "Ronee" Hagen brings 25 years of executive experience to her role as CEO of Polymer Group, Inc. She took the helm of Polymer, one of the world's leading producers of nonwoven materials, in April 2007. Ms. Hagen was previously president and CEO of Sappi Fine Paper North America, a $1.4-billion division of the South African-based global leader in the pulp and paper industry, and her tenure there was marked by year-over-year increases in profitability while adding value to customers and maintaining a strong record of safety and productivity.
Hagen's career began with an entrepreneurial turn as owner and operator of Metal Sales Associates, a privately owned business that sold ferrous and nonferrous metals. After selling her company in 1996, she joined Alumax as executive vice president and stayed on through the company's acquisition by Alcoa, where she rose to the position of vice president and chief customer officer.
Ms. Hagen is on the boards of Polymer Group, Inc., Newmont Mining Corporation, and The Southern Co. She is a dedicated mentor to other women in the business world, and is active in a number of organizations related to that cause. Since 2000, she has been a member of C200, serving on the organization's Governing Board. She is also a member of The Chicago Network, Women Corporate Directors and The Economic Club of Chicago.
Ms. Hagen graduated from the University of Southern California, earning a B.A. in international relations. She has participated in executive education programs in finance at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and an executive leadership program at Harvard University.