American Packaging Leadership Transition

COLUMBUS, WI–American Packaging Corp (APC), a leader in flexible packaging solutions, orchestrated a significant organizational change. The move is one of few leadership transitions in the company’s 121-year history, including when the Schottland family purchased APC from the Kardon family in 1986.

Effective Jan. 1, 2024, the following leadership changes and titles will be implemented at APC:

• Peter Schottland (left in photo), current CEO and co-chairman of the board, will become executive chairman of the board
• Jeff Koch (center), current president, will step into the role of interim CEO until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2024, when he will join the board of directors
• Ray Graham (right), current executive vice president and chief operating officer, will become president of APC until the end of 2024. Upon Koch’s retirement, Graham will become CEO and president
• Steve Schottland, current co-chairman of the board, will serve as chairman of the board

“Our family-owned company began over 120 years ago, expanded in the 1960s with my father, Stan Schottland’s, leadership and continued to grow under the direction of my brother, Steve,” Peter Schottland said. “I am enormously proud that my tenure as CEO of American Packaging continued that legacy. As a team, APC achieved so many successes. I am very proud of what we’ve accomplished, the company we have built and most importantly, the future in front of us.” The company has been led by only five CEOs. Succession planning is a continuous process at all levels of APC, and planning for this transition has been underway for many years.

Founded in 1902, APC, an active FTA member, is a recognized leader in the flexible packaging industry that distinguishes itself by investing in state-of-the-art facilities and capabilities, delivering packaging innovation, promoting sustainable products and practices, and focusing customer delight. It specializes in flexographic, rotogravure and digital printing, multi-ply extrusion, and adhesive lamination of film, paper and foil, as well as pouch and bag fabrication to meet a variety of requirements. Today, APC operates six Centers of Excellence in the United States and employs approximately 1,300 talented, motivated professionals.