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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.