Smurfit Kappa appoints new CEO

Ireland-based Smurfit Kappa Group has appointed Eduardo Rubio as the company’s new CEO for Smurfit Kappa North America. Rubio will begin his responsibilities leading this operation of 4,900 people on Oct. 1.

Rubio joined Smurfit Kappa Group in 2010. He is a chartered accountant with an MBA from the New York Institute of Technology. Rubio currently serves as vice president for Smurfit Kappa North America’s Mexican Corrugated operations. Prior to his current position, Rubio held many leadership positions with the company, including director of finance for the Packaging Group, general manager for the company’s Tijuana Box Plant and regional general manager of the Baja California area with the incorporation of the Mexicali Sheet Plant to his responsibilities. 

Smurfit Kappa North America operations include 13 corrugated operations and one folding carton plant both in the U.S. and northern Mexico, a paper mill in Forney, Texas, and several recycling facilities. Smurfit Kappa North America is a producer of honeycomb with three plants in northern Mexico and also four packaging solutions plants. The operation also includes the regional Experience Center in Dallas and a sales office in Chicago. 

Rubio will be based in Dallas, reporting to Juan G. Castaneda, CEO of Smurfit Kappa The Americas.