Mr. David W. Scheible, Chairman of Graphic Packaging Holding Company and Chief Executive Officer of Graphic Packaging, Inc. has been named the 2015 North American CEO of the Year by RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry. The award will be presented to Mr. Scheible at the 30th Annual RISI North American Conference.
Scheible was nominated by a group of investment analysts and portfolio managers covering the North American and global pulp and paper industry. The criteria for nomination include leadership, vision and strategic accomplishment.
Under Mr. Scheible's leadership, Graphic Packaging has more than doubled its size, significantly improved its profit margins and reduced its leverage by half. In addition, GPI's stock price has more than tripled as the company has sharpened its focus on core markets of food, beverage and consumer products. During his tenure, Mr. Scheible has fostered a well-managed company culture where more than 12,500 global employees exemplify a commitment to corporate values, operational excellence, customer service, sustainability and continuous improvement.
Mr. Scheible was appointed Chairman of the Board of Graphic Packaging Holding Company in May of 2013, after serving as a Board Director, President and Chief Executive Office of Graphic Packaging Corporation since 2007. He joined Graphic Packaging in 1999 after several years with Avery Dennison Corporation. Mr. Scheible serves on the Board of Directors of Benchmark Electronics, Inc.; Flint Group S.A.; and Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
One analyst commented: "Under Dave's leadership, they've reduced leverage from 6X EBITDA to less than 3X, they have generated some growth in a mature market and they have created tremendous equity value."
RISI's North American Conference will be held in Chicago, IL from September 28-30, 2015.
www.risi.com
