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Mark W. Kowlzan

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA
Board
Since July 2010
Age
69 years
Tenure
Joined the company in 1996 and held various roles including leading the containerboard mill system from 1998 to June 2010, before being promoted to Chief Executive Officer in July 2010 and later to Chairman in January 2016.

Also at PACKAGING CORP OF AMERICA

CJC
Charles J. Carter
Executive Vice President - Mill Ops
JSK
Jeff S. Kaser
Senior Vice President - Corrugated
PAB
Pamela A. Barnes
Senior Vice President – Finance

About

Mark W. Kowlzan is a seasoned executive known for his long-standing commitment to the paper and packaging industry. At 69 years old as of the latest update , he has built his career through decades of experience and a deep understanding of operational excellence. Although detailed personal background is not extensively documented, his professional journey speaks volumes about his commitment and leadership within the industry.

He began his association with the company in 1996, rapidly progressing through roles of increasing responsibility. His early career involved managing critical operations including the containerboard mill system from 1998 through June 2010, during which he demonstrated significant operational proficiency and strategic insight.

His promotion to Chief Executive Officer in July 2010 marked a turning point, enabling him to steer the company towards sustained growth and success. Later, his appointment as Chairman in January 2016 further underscored his strategic influence and leadership capabilities.

In addition to his executive roles, his involvement as a board member of the American Forest & Paper Association since February 2011 highlights his broader contribution to the industry. This multifaceted career, marked by progressive leadership and industry-wide service, continues to shape the evolving landscape of the paper and packaging sectors.

$PKG Performance Under Mark W. Kowlzan

Past Roles

OrganizationRoleDate RangeDetails
Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) Senior Vice President - Containerboard 1998 - June 2010 Led PCA's containerboard mill system as Vice President/General Manager then Senior Vice President - Containerboard
Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) Various Senior Operating Positions 1996 - 1998 Served in several senior operating roles including as manager of the Counce, Tennessee linerboard mill
Tenneco Packaging Various Senior Operating Positions 1996 - 1998 Held senior operating responsibilities including managerial role at the Counce, Tennessee linerboard mill
International Paper Company Operational and Managerial Positions 15 years Held a series of roles within the mill organization

External Roles

OrganizationRoleDate RangeDetails
American Forest & Paper Association Board of Directors Current N/A

Fixed Compensation

Data from  FY 2023
Component NameAmountPayment ScheduleAdditional Details
Base Salary $1,433,580AnnualAnnual salary to attract and retain executives; competitive with peer companies
401(k) Company Contribution $19,699AnnualCompany's contributions to the 401(k) retirement plan

Performance Compensation

Data from  FY 2023

Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation

MetricDetails
Performance MetricEarnings Per Share (EPS) excluding special items
Threshold$1,225,000
Target$2,450,000
Maximum$3,900,000
Actual Payout$3,281,040 (134% of target)
VestingNo vesting; annual cash award paid at year-end

ROIC Units

ComponentDetails
MetricReturn on Invested Capital (ROIC)
Performance Period2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026
Threshold Units9,506 units
Target Units23,765 units
Maximum Units28,518 units (120% of target)
Grant DateFebruary 22, 2023
Grant Date Fair Value$3,201,621 at 100% target; $3,851,945 at maximum payout
VestingVesting on February 22, 2027; service condition applies
Payout TypeShares of PCA common stock with dividend equivalents

TSR Units

ComponentDetails
MetricTotal Shareholder Return (TSR) compared to a peer group
Performance PeriodMarch 1, 2023 to February 28, 2026
Payout Range0% (if below 33.33rd percentile), 100% (at median), 200% (if highest performer)
Target Units21,505 units
Maximum Units43,010 units (200% of target)
Grant DateFebruary 22, 2023
Grant Date Fair Value$3,201,664
VestingVest on February 28, 2026 after the performance period; subject to continuing employment
Payout TypeShares of PCA common stock with dividend equivalents upon vesting.