David Feffer

"In this digital and hyper-connected world, which is crucial in many moments, I'm going against the grain: I want a more offline life. A life with fewer posts and more dedication to the people around us."

“We must act and sow today the fruits that our young people will reap tomorrow.”

"Pense no sucesso, nunca no fracasso"

“Don’t be afraid to be different”

“Our vision is centennial, to leave the 21st century better than we entered it, we need to join forces and transform together.”

"Businesses always are and will be disrupted by someone who sees an opportunity to do more and better.”

“It is possible to achieve business and social transformation simultaneously.”

“Only those who don’t make mistakes don’t make mistakes, we have to encourage new mistakes.”

“Error can hurt, but it cannot kill.”

“Generation 4.0 leaders will have multiple skills, they will be a bit entrepreneur and a bit lawyer, a bit scientist and a bit novelist.”

"The new leader will need to lead organizations guided by ideas, must take advantage of the growing level of collaboration enabled by emerging information and communication technologies, will have to overcome hierarchical barriers and practice the culture of decentralized power."

“It is certain that new leaders must promote energy, passion and creativity.”

"So, entrepreneurs, especially young ones, open your minds and buckle up. The future is knocking at the door."

“We exist to create, act, transform and achieve.”

About David Feffer

David Feffer is the eldest of four brothers and represents the third generation of a family that built the global pulp and paper giant, Suzano S/A.

From a young age, David was involved in the family business alongside his grandfather and father. At the age of 18, he began working for the company, starting in the transportation sector and, over time, gaining experience in several other sectors. In 2001, he assumed the presidency of Suzano, revitalizing the business and encouraging sustainable growth. This marked the beginning of a new management model, with the professionalization of companies and the adoption of strict corporate governance criteria.

In 2003, David stepped down as CEO, becoming Chairman of the Board of Suzano and President of the newly created Suzano Holding, which, in addition to its stake in the pulp and paper industry, expanded its operations into technology, real estate development, asset management, and investment.

Under his leadership, in 2019, Suzano Pulp and Paper merged its assets with those of Fibria, creating Suzano S/A, the world's largest pulp producer and a leader in the development of sustainable and innovative solutions using renewable raw materials.

After celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024, Suzano embarked on a bold internationalization of its operations, acquiring two mills in the United States, purchasing a 15% stake in Austrian company Lenzing, and creating a global joint venture with Kimberly-Clark, operating in over 70 countries.

A businessman and entrepreneur, David sees every crisis as an opportunity to rethink and build a better future for people and the planet. For him, innovation—thinking differently, acting courageously, and breaking out of the norm—is not just a choice, it's a way of life.

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Entrepreneurial Legacy

A story of vision and transformation

Leon Feffer

Born in Kolki, Ukraine, in November 1902, Leon Feffer came to Brazil in 1920 and established himself as a merchant in São Paulo, selling various goods, including paper. During the 1920s and 1930s, he consolidated and expanded his commercial activities, opening a printing shop and a small envelope factory, in addition to maintaining his own store. In 1939, Leon established his own paper mill in the Ipiranga neighborhood, which gave rise to Suzano.

During his life, he also dedicated himself to various community activities and oversaw the transition of Suzano's leadership to his son, Max. Leon Feffer passed away in 1999, leaving not only his mark on the development of the pulp and paper industry in Brazil, but also an example of how a businessman can combine business success with consistent social action.

Max Feffer

Max Feffer was born in 1926 in São Paulo and, from a young age, collaborated with his father in the expansion of Suzano. In the 1950s, Max led research aimed at developing alternatives for pulp production. He achieved satisfactory results with eucalyptus, which revolutionized papermaking in Brazil and worldwide, transforming the country from an importer to an exporter in just a few years. He was also responsible for the diversification and consolidation of Suzano through investments in the petrochemical sector and the professionalization of management.

Max Feffer served as Secretary of State for Culture, Science, and Technology of São Paulo from 1976 to 1979. In 1999, he was one of the people responsible for creating the Ecofuturo Institute, a non-governmental organization supported by Suzano that aims to promote sustainable development. Max passed away prematurely in 2001 at the age of 74.