Parr, currently group finance director at the Scottish paper manufacturer and specialist coatings group, replaces Don Munro, who will step up to the role of chief executive.
Current chief executive Fred Bowden will retain the role of group chairman.
He will take early retirement from day-to-day operational duties in early 2006, but will remain as the group's non-executive chairman.
Bowden said the restructure would ensure that there was an experienced team in place to ensure the business moved from strength to strength.
"I wish my colleagues every success in their new roles," he said.
All new appointments are effective as of 1 September 2005.
Restructure at Tullis switches key managers
Tullis Russell has announced a raft of senior management changes, with Chris Parr taking over as managing director of its papermaking division.
