Smurfit WestRock CEO Tony Smurfit has been named Irish Times Business Person of the Year 2024, an award established in partnership with Bank of Ireland.
In July, Dublin-based Smurfit Kappa, under Mr Smurfit's leadership, formally merged with US partner WestRock to become the world's largest packaging corporation.
Under the terms of the US$24 billion (€21.9 billion) deal, Mr Smurfit was appointed chief executive of the newly formed company, with Smurfit's chief financial officer Ken Bowles becoming executive vice president and group chief financial officer.
Mr Smurfit was unable to attend the ceremony due to travel commitments. In a video message accepting the award, he thanked his colleagues at Smurfit WestRock, “who made me look good, to be honest”.
“We have 100,000 employees worldwide, a great management team and an excellent board of directors that supports our ambitions. Our transformation journey – from a small box factory in Rathmines to the world’s largest paper and packaging company operating in 40 countries – has been truly impressive. The products we create for our many customers continue to evolve.”
Mr Smurfit was presented with the award by Prime Minister Micheal Martin at a ceremony in the Round Room of the Mansion House in Dublin on Thursday evening.
Orlaith Ryan from Shoreline Cancer Unit with The Irish Times Business Editor Ciaran Hancock.
Co-founders Sharon Cunningham and Orlaith Ryan founded the company in 2014 with a focus on rare, orphan and childhood cancers. They were also named EY Entrepreneurs of the Year in November.
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
