Eric Hill will take on the CEO role of Kwik Lok Corporation from November 25. He takes over from Don Carrell, who assumed leadership in February 2019, and now exits the company after a temporary consultative role to support the leadership transition.

Hill leaves his position as Regional Vice President and General Manager at Graphic Packaging International, a global packaging company with a strong emphasis on renewable, recycled, and recyclable materials. He worked there for 15 years.

Hill graduated from Western Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and holds a master’s degree in Paper Science Technology from the Institute of Paper Science Technology in Atlanta, Georgia.

“I look forward to joining the Kwik Lok family and ramping up the company’s ability to innovate and grow at the pace required by today’s market. Kwik Lok has a solid foundation as a market leader with a 70-year legacy of customer service, innovation, and growth. I look forward to overseeing the company as it moves forward to meet the challenges of today’s marketplace,” said Hill.

Kwik Lok acknowledges its outgoing CEO in a message: “During his five-year tenure as CEO, Carrell made invaluable contributions to our culture, growth and success. His emphasis on innovation and growth helped the company to launch its first sustainable product, Eco-Lok, utilizing bio-resin made from renewably sourced starch, in 2018. Under his leadership, Kwik Lok rapidly added to the portfolio of sustainable closure options with Fibre-Lok and Enviro-Lok. In addition, Carrell successfully led the global company through the COVID-19 pandemic, working to keep employees safe and to support customers in the produce and bakery industries despite supply-chain challenges. Carrell helped bring to life the vision of One Kwik Lok and his leadership and dedication have been exemplary.”

“Don’s contribution to our business have been numerous and we thank him for his hard work and dedication during his years at Kwik Lok. As Eric takes on the CEO role, we face a rapidly changing environment driven by technological advancements, evolving regulations, and shifting market dynamics. Eric’s experience in driving rapid change and expertise in managing growth will be key to reaching the next levels of success taking our company to the next generation of ownership and customers,” said Board Chair, Kimberly Paxton-Hagner.

Photo: Kwik Lok