Fort Dearborn Co., a North American supplier of high-impact prime labels for consumer goods, has appointed Kevin Kwilinski as CEO. 

Kwilinski, former CEO of Paperworks Industries, a privately held recycled paperboard packaging company, assumes leadership responsibilities from Jim Buzzard, who will resume his role as non-executive chairman of Fort Dearborn’s board of directors.  

“Kevin brings more than two decades of experience in the global packaging industry and a track record of developing and executing successful growth strategies,” says Chairman Jim Buzzard. “His professional experience exemplifies Fort Dearborn’s core values of customer intimacy, financial discipline and a performance-driven culture, and I am confident he will help Fort Dearborn become the leading North American prime label supplier.”

Prior to joining Fort Dearborn, Kwilinski spent more than 20 years in the global packaging industry. At Paperworks, he guided the company’s growth by supporting an aggressive go-to-market strategy and simultaneously implemented continuous improvement processes that resulted in a significant improvement in product quality, customer service levels and customer satisfaction.

“I am excited to lead Fort Dearborn through its next stage of growth and look forward to helping the company continue to deliver best-in-class value to customers,” Kwilinski says. “Fort Dearborn is poised to pursue strategic initiatives, including attracting and retaining top talent and pursuing additional growth through existing and new customers as well as strategic acquisitions.”  

Fort Dearborn Co.
(847) 357-9500; www.fortdearborn.com