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We are pleased to announce that Tony Smurfit, Chief Executive Officer of Smurfit WestRock, has been named Forest Products International CEO of the Year 2025.
“I am honoured to receive this award on behalf of the entire Smurfit Westrock organisation. We have built the global leader in sustainable packaging and our objective is to be the best. We have a clear vision of where we want to be, how to get there and a formidable team to realise that vision,” Smurfit said.
This prestigious accolade celebrates Smurfit’s visionary leadership and transformative impact on the global packaging industry. The award will be formally presented at the Fastmarkets Forest Products Europe Conference on March 4 at the Sheraton Hotel and Spa in Lisbon.
Since assuming leadership of Smurfit Kappa Group (SKG) in September 2015, Tony has steered the company to become a market leader in Europe, consistently delivering top-tier financial performance. His focus has fostered a performance led culture supported by core values of loyalty, integrity and respect.
Defining Moments and Industry Leadership
Tony has guided SKG through numerous pivotal challenges, including the successful defence against International Paper’s unsolicited bid in 2018 and navigating the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Architect of the Smurfit WestRock Merger
A testament to his strategic acumen, Smurfit led the landmark merger of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock in 2023, creating the world’s largest sustainable packaging company with a market capitalisation of $28 billion.
Under his leadership, the newly formed Smurfit WestRock (SW) has already achieved significant synergies and enhanced profitability, all while maintaining a strong focus on investing in people and sustainability.
About Tony Smurfit
Tony holds a degree in management science from Scranton, Pennsylvania, and a doctorate in management science from University College Dublin.
He is the only recipient to receive this award twice and was recognised in 2021 as being “a global thinker with an extraordinary human touch” in a Fastmarkets PPI Pulp & Paper Week story.
Fastmarkets is proud to recognise Paula Lehtomäki, Director General of the Finnish Forest Industries Federation (FFIF), as the recipient of the Forest Products Woman of the Year Award 2025.
Lehtomäki is celebrated by the judges for her unwavering dedication to sustainability and her efforts to position the Nordic region as a global leader in green innovation by 2030. Her work in the Finnish Forest Industries Federation and her support for example in key research initiatives under NordForsk have made her a driving force for positive industry transformation.
Champion of Sustainability and Women’s Empowerment
Lehtomäki has been at the forefront of advancing the green transition in the forest products industry, advocating for research, innovation, and policies that promote sustainability. Her influence extends beyond the industry, as she has been a strong advocate for social equity, especially for women and girls globally. Throughout her career, she has consistently promoted the status of girls and women. This dedication is evident in her different roles during her career. Her efforts have significantly contributed to advancing gender equality and empowering women in various sectors.
About Paula Lehtomäki
Appointed Director General of FFIF in 2022, Lehtomäki brings an impressive track record in leadership and public service. Before her current role, she served as the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, Finland’s Minister of Foreign Trade and Development, and Minister of the Environment.
She holds a Master’s degree in Economics and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. Lehtomäki’s leadership continues to shape the future of the forest products industry while promoting sustainability and fostering innovation for the generations to come.
Fastmarkets is delighted to honour Saverio Mayer, CEO of Smurfit WestRock Europe, with the Forest Products European CEO of the Year 2025 award.
Mayer’s strategic leadership and commitment to operational excellence have been pivotal during the integration of Smurfit Kappa and WestRock, ensuring continued growth and resilience for the European business. His hands-on approach and deep understanding of business strategies have fostered an agile and innovative operation amid challenging market conditions and hugely impressed our panel.
Driving Integration and Innovation
Mayer’s leadership has been instrumental in empowering plant-level autonomy and driving operational improvements. His extensive visits to production sites across Europe exemplify his dedication to employee engagement and cultivating a unified culture.
As a staunch advocate for environmental responsibility, Mayer has played a critical role in advancing sustainability practices and representing the sector at the EU level during the PPWR process, ensuring that Europe remains a leader in circularity and packaging sustainability.
About Saverio Mayer
Mayer’s distinguished career spans over three decades in the paper and packaging sector, where he is widely recognized for championing innovation and delivering long-term value.
Since joining Smurfit WestRock in 1986, he has held numerous commercial and operational roles, including CEO positions in Italy, Russia, and Poland. In 2015, he was appointed Chief Operations Officer of Corrugated and Converting Europe, overseeing operational, sales, and financial performance.
After earning a degree in accountancy in Rome, Mayer began his career as General Manager of SK Tezze & Carmignano (Italy) and later led SK Asti. He progressed to become Sales & Marketing Manager for SK Italy and Vice President of Pan European Sales.
From 2001 to 2015, Mayer served as CEO of SK Italy, later holding roles as CEO of SK Russia, SK Poland, and the Group Bag-in-Box division worldwide. In 2017, he became CEO of SK Europe, leading both the Paper & Board and Corrugated & Converting divisions.
Following the landmark merger between Smurfit Kappa and WestRock in July 2024, Mayer was appointed President & CEO for Europe, MEA, and APAC. He also serves as Vice President of the European Federation of Corrugated Board Manufacturers (FEFCO).