In a growing metro area where, on average, more than half of residents are under 40, Vanécia “V” Carr, Domtar’s Senior Director of Marketing and Product Management for Pulp and Paper, has been called one to watch by the Charlotte Business Journal. She was recently named one of the CBJ’s Top 40 Under 40, which recognizes up and coming business leaders in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area.
“I didn’t seek out the paper industry. It sought me out,” she says as she shares the story of serving a Weyerhaeuser [now Domtar] employee, Candace Windell, who noticed Carr’s potential at the Longhorn Steakhouse where she worked during college.
Carr began her career as a temporary employee in customer service with Weyerhaeuser, whose paper division merged with Domtar in 2007. The rest, as they say, is history.
She progressed from customer service and product management to lead the marketing and product management function for Domtar’s pulp and paper business.
Carr was featured in a 40 Under 40 profile from the Charlotte Business Journal, and she recently answered a few questions for the Domtar Newsroom.
What do you think has set you apart in your career?
When I see something that needs to be done, I’m going to figure out how to do it. If I don’t know how to do something, I am committed to learning everything I don’t know about it — there’s not going to be something that I don’t know how to do for long.
Who has most inspired you in your career?
The late, great Dick Thomas [a former Domtar leader] took an interest in me very early on in my career, and he functioned as a mentor and friend to me throughout my career in a way I could never repay him for.
His way of leadership was “I will teach you how to fish, I will not give you fish.” I learned a lot from him and his style of leadership and the way he coached and developed people.
What is your favorite Domtar paper product? Why?
Cougar®, hands down. It’s “the people’s brand.” We’ve done some really fun stuff with marketing Cougar, including edgy promotions and even photo shoots with a real, live cougar named Dylan. And, brands and creatives have used Cougar to make their mark on the world, tell their stories and share their most exciting moments.
What do you believe is your greatest professional accomplishment?
I’m proud of having built a dedicated, end-to-end customer marketing team, and of the impact we’ve made inside and outside the walls of Domtar. We are viewed as resources and as thought leaders in the industry, and we work hard to elevate the value of Domtar.
What makes Domtar a great place to work?
Our leaders are open and accessible and work hard to build the right teams and develop talent. They are committed to building a better Domtar for the future so that we can continue to be proud of where we work. We are embarking on exciting times as we continue to diversify and grow into new markets.
What are you looking forward to as you continue in your career with Domtar?
I’m looking forward to supporting diverse talent as they come into this industry and into Domtar. We are bringing in younger people, people from different ethnic backgrounds and from different industries, all of whom can broaden our perspectives and make our strategies better. I want to share my experience in a way that makes people recognize the excitement and appeal that this industry offers.
As a leader at Domtar and in my community, it is important for me to give back. That can come in the form of mentoring, volunteering or serving others. I remember those who supported me throughout my career as I look to make that same impact on someone else.
More on Carr’s 40 Under 40 award
Read the full CBJ profile on V Carr
CBJ’s full list of 40 Under 40 (Subscription may be required to view)
