RISI has named Li Hongxin of Sun Paper its 2015 Asian chief executive of the year.

It is the third time he has been named for the award - having won in 2010 and 2013 - making him the first three-time winner.

The award will be presented at RISI's annual Asian Conference, being held from June 1-3 at the Le Meridien Hotel in Shanghai, China.

Respondents to an annual survey - including investment analysts and portfolio managers covering the forest products industry - selected Li based on leadership, vision and strategic accomplishments. One commented that in a lacklustre year, "Sun Paper's financial performance did the best, thanks to the company's strategies in cutting cost, diversifying products, as well as good management vision.

"The company has successfully tagged into xylitol and xylose production, as well tissue production."

Born in 1953, Li is the founder, chairman and general manager of Shandong Sun Paper. He also has titles in the business and local community, which include: Member of the CPPC National Committee of Shandong Province, President of Honor for the Paper Industry Chamber of Commerce within the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and vice chairman of Shandong Federation of Industry and Commerce. In addition, he has garnered numerous awards, including: 1st Batch of Chinese Confucian Businessmen, Enterpriser of Highest Social Responsibility for Recycling Economy of Shandong, one of the Top 10 Confucian Businessmen at Homeland of Confucius and Mencius, Shandong Social Responsibility Active Compliance Business Operator, as well as Shandong Good Faith Business Operator.