The Robert T. Gair Award — an homage to the man who paved the way for the modern paperboard packaging industry — recognizes exemplary individuals who have demonstrated a lifetime of significant and lasting contributions to the industry. With decades of knowledge and leadership under his belt, Voorhees was a natural recipient of this honor.
Under Voorhees’ leadership, WestRock, created as a result of the merger between Rock-Tenn and MeadWestvaco in 2015, succeeded in many areas. Voorhees was instrumental in expanding the company’s geographic presence facilitating 20 acquisitions during his tenure as chief executive officer. Voorhees served as CFO from 2000 until 2013, during which the company grew from $1.4 billion in sales to $10 billion. He was named CEO in 2013, and his efforts and leadership ultimately helped WestRock secure its status as the second largest packaging company in the U.S.
