Boston - RISI, the leading information provider for the global forest products industry, today announced that Gary McGann, Chief Executive Officer of Smurfit Kappa has been named RISI’s 2015 European CEO of the Year. RISI will present this award at the European Conference which will take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands from March 9-11, 2015.

RISI’s European CEO of the Year is nominated by a group of investment analysts and portfolio managers covering the European and global pulp and paper industry. Amongst the reasons cited by RISI for the award, one analyst commented: "Without hesitation I would go for Gary McGann again. He has shown sterling leadership and Smurfit Kappa has been performing exceptionally well, added to which he has also made sure there are foundations in place for future growth. McGann is also a very amiable personality in the industry and absolutely merits this award"

Another said: “Gary McGann gets my vote; Smurfit Kappa has sourced a great deal in the US recently which has integrated existing business providing nice synergies. The company under his leadership has also grown margins impressively in Europe, outstripping peers. In addition, the capex projects recently announced will help drive further earnings growth regardless of the slack micro conditions and it is encouraging to see the company taking the lead by rationalizing some capacity as well."