The move follows the announcement last month that current group chief financial officer, Steve Binnie, will replace the South African group’s chief executive Ralph Boettger on 1 July.
Boettger is to step down on 30 June due to illness.
Pearce, who has been with Sappi for 18 years, was appointed as chief financial officer of Sappi Europe SA in 2008. Prior to that he held a number of senior management positions within the group in South Africa and Europe.
Ralph Boëttger, said: “I am very pleased that our robust succession planning process has enabled us to appoint a strong internal candidate.
"Glen’s in-depth knowledge of Sappi and his sterling track record will serve the company well on its path towards strong growth and profitability," he added.
