Emily Leonczyk Takes The Reins At Paperboard Packaging Council The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) enters 2026 with renewed focus and momentum, announcing new leadership while preparing to honor a longtime industry champion at its upcoming Spring Outlook & Strategies Conference in Louisville, KY, from March 25-27, 2026. Emily Leonczyk assumed the role of President of PPC on January 1, marking a new chapter for the association as it advances its mission to grow, promote, and protect the North American paperboard packaging industry. Since joining PPC leadership as Executive Director and Vice President, Leonczyk has worked closely with the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and mem- ber companies to reaffirm the association’s purpose and
strengthen its role as the trusted authority for the paper- board packaging industry. Her work has focused on clari- fying PPC’s role: to serve as the industry’s collective voice, expert resource, and convening table for converters and suppliers navigating an increasingly com- plex marketplace. From left, Hilda Murray, TPC Printing & Packaging; Ben Markens, outgoing President of the PPC; and Emily Leonczyk, President of the PPC.
“Our members are the voice of the fold- ing carton and rigid box industries, and my top priority is making sure there is a seat at the table for their perspectives, experience, and shared challenges,” Leonczyk said. Additionally, Hilda S. Murray, Executive Vice President and Owner of TPC Printing & Packaging, has been elected Chair of the PPC Board of Directors. A respected leader and advocate for independent con- verters, Murray brings decades of business and industry experience to the role. Under her leadership, TPC, a 100-year-old, fam- ily-owned folding carton converter based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has evolved through multiple industry transformations while maintaining a reputation for crafts- manship, innovation, and sustainability. In addition to these leadership updates, PPC prepares to honor Ben Markens, out- going PPC President and longtime industry leader, with the Robert T. Gair Award for Lifetime Achievement at PPC’s Spring Meet- ing in Louisville this March. Throughout his tenure, Markens played a pivotal role in ex- panding benchmarking programs, strength- ening advocacy efforts, and fostering a cul- ture of collaboration. “Ben’s impact on PPC and the industry is profound,” Leonczyk said. “He brought clar- ity, conviction, and a deep respect for the people who make this industry work. His leadership strengthened PPC not just as an organization, but as a community.” PPC looks ahead to 2026 with confi- dence, guided by new leadership, strength- ened by continuity, and grounded in collab- oration, and community.
6 February 23, 2026
www.boardconvertingnews.com
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker