RockTenn's James A. Rubright Named 2012 PIMA Executive of the Year

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TAPPI and PIMA are pleased to announce the selection of James A. Rubright, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of RockTenn, as the association's 2012 Executive of the Year. RockTenn, based in Norcross, Georgia, is a leading North American producer of corrugated and consumer packaging and recycling solutions. The award is PIMA's highest honor and is bestowed on senior-level executives in the pulp, paper or converting industries for excellence in management and outstanding contributions to the industry as a whole. Rubright will receive his award on April 23 during the opening session of TAPPI's PaperCon 2012 in New Orleans, where he will also participate in an Executive Panel.

"Throughout his career James Rubright has exemplified the strong leadership skills, vision and integrity required for success in a globally competitive business like the pulp and paper industry. His accomplishments as a leader and his many contributions to the industry make him an outstanding choice as PIMA Executive of the Year," said Larry N. Montague, TAPPI President and CEO. "Most recently his leadership helped RockTenn deliver consistently solid earnings during the major Smurfit-Stone acquisition. Both competitors and independent converters have responded positively to the acquisition which has brought RockTenn to a new level in the industry as one of the largest, most respected and profitable integrated paperboard and packaging companies in North America."

Rubright has served as RockTenn's CEO since October 1999 and Chairman of the Board since January 2000. The Smurfit-Stone merger in 2011 vaulted RockTenn into the position of No. 2 paperboard packaging producer in the U.S., behind International Paper Co. Before joining RockTenn, he served as Executive Vice President of Sonat Inc., a diversified energy company headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. He is a director of AGL Resources, Inc., an energy company, and Forestar Real Estate Group, Inc., a real estate and natural resources company. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, Mary, and their two boys, who are the youngest of his six children. Rubright was RISI's 2008 and 2011 North American Forest Products CEO of the Year and named Global CEO of Year by PPI in 2009.