Executive Insights: An Irish soul is at the heart of Smurfit Kappa’s global success story

By Business & Finance

03 July 2023

Executive Insights is an in-conversation content series featuring thought leaders from across the Irish business community. Hosted by Business & Finance, in association with KPMG, the series explores business strategy and how to navigate the current climate.

This episode features Ken Bowles, Chief Financial Officer at Smurfit Kappa, in conversation with Sarah Freeman, Managing Editor, Business & Finance.

Smurfit Kappa

Smurfit Kappa is a European packaging company, one of the world leaders in paper-based packaging, a reputation which has landed the group on the FTSE 100 Index.

Smurfit Kappa was nominated the Business & Finance Company of the Month in February 2023, having reported earnings of €2.4 billion for 2022. This is a significant jump in annual revenue of 27% to €12.8 billion.

“Our performance reflects the ongoing benefits of our investment programme together with our customer-led innovation and sustainability initiatives. SKG’s integrated model together with our geographic footprint continue to deliver for all stakeholders,” said Tony Smurfit, group chief executive.

Smurfit Kappa has also made an investment of €27 million in a sustainability initiative based at their paper mill in Spain, specifically within their lime kiln and gas treatments facilities, with the goal of reducing landfill waste and their carbon footprint.

Ken Bowles

Ken Bowles is Chief Financial Officer at Smurfit Kappa. He has been with the Smurfit Kappa Group for over 22 years, having previously acted as the company’s Group Director of Tax (between 2007 and 2009) and its Group Compliance Manager (between 2004 and 2007). He has earned an MBA from University College Dublin.

Watch the latest episode of Executive Insights below: