YAKIMA, Wash., (November 7, 2024) – Kwik Lok Corporation, headquartered in Yakima, Washington, has announced plans to transition the CEO role.
Don Carrell, who assumed leadership in February 2019 from his role as Chief Operating Officer, will be leaving the company. Eric Hill, of Graphic Packaging International, Portland, Oregon, will assume the position as of November 25, 2024.
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. He will remain with Kwik Lok in a consultative role to ensure a seamless transition.
Kwik Lok’s board of directors has hired Eric Hill as the new CEO. 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 that enhance the customer experience.
Hill has worked at Graphic Packaging International for 15 years, holding a variety of leadership roles, beginning as a plant manager and moving on to roles with progressively more responsibility in the company. He is a graduate of 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.
“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.
“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.
About Kwik Lok
Founded in 1954, Kwik Lok is the global market leader in bag closures. The company produces billions of bag closures every year for the baking and produce industries. Kwik Lok brings 70 years of expertise to deliver advanced engineering and trusted design. Kwik Lok is owned by third-generation family leadership, with a vision to drive greater sustainability in the industry. Learn more at www.kwiklok.com.
Media Contacts:
Karen Reed
karenr@kwiklok.com / 509-248-4770
