Arbex, the new tissue and hygiene company formed through the $3.4 billion joint venture between Suzano and Kimberly-Clark, has officially begun operations as an independent business.

Launching with a presence in more than 70 markets across five continents, the company enters the industry as one of the world's largest tissue and hygiene producers, backed by 22 manufacturing sites in 14 countries and a portfolio of globally recognized brands including Kleenex®, Scott®, Cottonelle®, Andrex®, and Viva®.

Headquartered in the Netherlands with an operational office in London, Arbex has also unveiled its leadership team, led by CEO Ehab Abou-Oaf, formerly President of International Family Care & Professional at Kimberly-Clark.

First announced in June 2025, the joint venture combines Suzano's industrial expertise with Kimberly-Clark's established consumer brands to manufacture, market, and distribute tissue and hygiene products for both consumer and professional markets worldwide.

Arbex has assumed ownership of assets previously run by Kimberly-Clark’s International Family Care & Professional (IFP) business unit, which includes 22 manufacturing sites in 14 countries, and a portfolio of more than 40 regional brands including Andrex®, Hakle®, and Scottex®. The company also holds a long-term license for the use of Kimberly-Clark’s global brands, including Kleenex®, Cottonelle®, Scott®, WypAll®, Viva®, and Kimberly-Clark Professional.

Ehab Abou-Oaf, previously President of Kimberly-Clark’s IFP business, directly transitions in as Chief Executive Officer of Arbex. He will be based in London, alongside the majority of the global leadership team.

Luís Bueno, previously Executive Vice President of Suzano’s consumer goods business, becomes Chief Operating Officer. And Oscar Mousinho, a Kimberly-Clark veteran who most recently served as Global CFO of the Pet Nutrition business at Mars, is the incoming Chief Financial Officer.

Walter Schalka, who spent over a decade as CEO of Suzano before stepping down in 2024, will chair Arbex’s Board of Directors.

Announced appointments to the senior leadership team of Arbex include:

• Ehab Abu-Oaf, Chief Executive Officer (formerly President, International Family Care & Professional, Kimberly-Clark)
• Luís Renato Bueno, Chief Operating Officer (formerly Executive Vice President Consumer Goods, Suzano)
• Oscar Mousinho, Chief Financial Officer (formerly Global Chief Financial Officer Pet Nutrition, Mars)
• Caroline Carpenedo, Chief People, Sustainability, Communications & Corporate Brand Officer (formerly Executive Vice President, People & Management, Safety, Suzano)
• Chris Burniston, Chief Legal Counsel (formerly Vice President & General Counsel, International Family Care & Professional, Kimberly-Clark)
• Andrew Behles, Chief of Strategy & Transformation Officer (formerly Senior Director, FP&A and Strategy, Chief of Staff, International Family Care & Professional, Kimberly-Clark)
• Fiona Emmett, Chief Growth Officer (formerly Vice President International Family Care & Professional Growth, Kimberly-Clark)
• Pablo Cadaval, Chief Technology Officer, Supply Chain and R&D (formerly R&D Director, Head of R&D, Suzano)
• Dan Howell, President, Europe (formerly Managing Director & Vice President UK & Ireland, International Family Care & Professional, Kimberly-Clark)
• Rez Hassan, President, Asia, (formerly Managing Director & Vice President Asia, International Family Care & Professional, Kimberly-Clark)
• Marina Negrisoli, President, Latin America (formerly Joint Venture Integration Office Director, Suzano)
• Mark Taylor, President, UK & Ireland (formerly Commercial Director UK & Ireland, International Family Care & Professional, Kimberly-Clark)

Ehab Abou-Oaf, CEO of Arbex, said: “This new company brings together a distinguished heritage, a portfolio of trusted brands, and a compelling vision for the future. Our parent companies have given us a sturdy foundation and a leading market position.

“In an increasingly dynamic and evolving global landscape, Arbex is embarking on a new journey from a position of strength, and we believe we can shape the future of the tissue and hygiene sector.

“Our immediate priority is ensuring a smooth and seamless transition for our colleagues, customers and consumers around the world.  Our team will work hard to grow our business, continuing to earn the trust of hundreds of millions of households worldwide who use our products every day, and remaining committed to delivering quality, sustainability and value.”

Luís Renato Bueno, Chief Operating Officer of Arbex, said: “Arbex brings together world-class talent with brands that already hold significant market share in over 70 countries around the world. From day one we will be a successful global business, which gives us an exciting launchpad for accelerated growth and an opportunity to build on momentum.

“We are combining the best of Suzano’s industrial and operational expertise, with Kimberly-Clark’s formidable international marketing and brand capabilities – uniting these through shared values of innovation and sustainability.

“With a pure-play focus on tissue and hygiene products, we believe Arbex has commercial, technical and innovation capabilities that can deliver top-line and bottom-line improvements, helping make us the undisputed global leader in our sector.”

Arbex is joint venture between Suzano, the world’s largest pulp supplier, and Kimberly-Clark, a global leader in consumer goods and personal care.