Important Points:
- Tony Smurfit awarded International CEO of the Year 2025.
- Saverio Mayer received European CEO of the Year award.
- Both executives commended for their role in achieving sustainable packaging.
The leadership of Smurfit Westrock has been awarded recognition from far and wide, and now Tony Smurfit and Saverio Mayer are awarded top CEO accolades from Fastmarkets. The announcement underscores their contribution as leaders of growth and sustainability within the industry.
Smurfit’s Second International CEO Award
Tony Smurfit, the President and CEO of Smurfit Westrock, has been named Forest Products International CEO of the Year 2025. This is his second time receiving this award, which goes to show how much influence he carries in the industry. It was during his leadership that Smurfit Kappa merged with WestRock, following which the company reported good financial results, met major business challenges, and implemented further sustainability initiatives.
- Strong Business Performance: Smurfit has guided the company through several milestones since 2015. He successfully defended the company against a hostile takeover by International Paper in 2018.
- Major Merger in 2024: He spearheaded the merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, which created a new leader in the sustainable packaging industry.
- Commitment to Sustainability: This visionary leadership has placed Smurfit Westrock on a mission to be the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.
Smurfit accepted the accolade and said, “This award exhibits the efforts of each member of our team. We want to be the leaders in sustainable packaging.”
Mayer Named European CEO of the Year
Saverio Mayer has been honored with the title of Forest Products European CEO of the Year for his leadership as the head of Smurfit Westrock’s Europe, MEA, and APAC division. His experience expands over decades with significant contributions from market development to operational efficiency.
- Dominant Force: Mayer has managed the company’s growth in Italy and Poland, and executed operations in Russia where he built a robust organizational culture.
- Employee Engagement: He supports discretion at the plant level and disengagement from micromanagement, thereby increasing productivity.
- Policy Shaping: Mayer has been a major contributor in the development of the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, which reinforced Europe’s position as the leader in circular economy initiatives.
Mayer commented, “This recognition is for all of us. Our dedication and innovation are what enables us to be successful.”
Awards Ceremony in Lisbon
Next month, both executives will be conferred awards at the Fastmarkets Forest Products Conference in Lisbon. This gathering will recognize leading figures from the industry who have shown outstanding strategic foresight and fostered a sustainable environment.
The accomplishments of Smurfit and Mayer epitomize the overarching drive of innovation, sustainability, and leadership in the industry by Smurfit Westrock.
