Reconstructing TA To Meet Evolving Business Demands with Chris Ross, Head of TA of North American Packaging at International Paper

Episode notes

A career shaped by competition and strategy is now fueling transformation in talent acquisition. On this episode, host Ryan Dull is joined by Chris Ross , Head of TA of North American Packaging at International Paper . Chris shares insights from nearly 25 years in TA, including agency work, leadership roles at Johnson & Johnson, and now guiding strategic transformation at International Paper. They discuss his unique path from Division I college hockey player to recruiter, and how his hands-on agency experience shaped his leadership approach. Key Takeaways: (02:32) Transitioning from hockey to headhunting in medical sales. (05:10) Early corporate TA experience begins at Monster during its startup heyday. (10:00) Strategic TA work unfolds, backed by strong leadership and a 19-person team. (13:18) DS Smith deal grows IP to 60,000 and expands EMEA reach. (14:55) A focus on listening and observation reveals early opportunities in team structure. (18:12) Recruiting efficiency becomes priority, with Gem and Beamery aiding speed to fill. (20:21) TA metrics shaped by J&J experience guide internal and executive priorities.