Q&A With Graphic Packaging’s New CEO, Robbert Rietbroek

In this Q&A, Graphic Packaging CEO Robbert Rietbroek shares his leadership experience in consumer packaged goods, his excitement to join the Graphic Packaging team and his near-term priorities for the company.

Q. What is your professional background and why did you join Graphic Packaging?

A. I join Graphic Packaging with over 25 years of leadership experience at some of the world's largest and most respected consumer goods companies, including PepsiCo, Kimberly-Clark, Procter & Gamble, Primo Water and most recently, Primo Brands. My career has taken me across North America, Europe, South America and Australia, where I have worked with some of the world's best known and industry-leading brands across the food and grocery industry.

I have been a Graphic Packaging customer for many years and have come to admire the innovation and craftsmanship behind the company's products, which I saw in action across operations and brands that I have led - such as Quaker oatmeal packets, Chewy bars, Life and Cap'n Crunch cereals. I have been deeply involved in packaging decisions in these roles. So, I understand the value of Graphic Packaging's manufacturing and innovation platform and the role our solutions play in the lives of consumers and in the success of our customers.

Q. As you begin your role as CEO, what energizes you most about leading Graphic Packaging?

A. I am energized by the industry-leading platform we have and the talent throughout our workforce. As a customer, I experienced firsthand that the level of dedication, and the expertise exhibited by Graphic Packaging employees is second to none. Now that I'm on the other side of the equation, seeing it in action is truly impressive and reinforces for me that our talented team members will continue to define our success. I look forward to learning from their experiences and deepening my understanding of our long-standing history and culture.

Furthermore, the company's investments in Kalamazoo and Waco have positioned Graphic Packaging with some of the most efficient and highest quality recycled paperboard manufacturing facilities in North America. Combined with our world-class manufacturing, technical and innovation talent and capabilities, and strong customer relationships, we will shape the future of Graphic Packaging together.

As we look ahead, we need to position ourselves to achieve and exceed our Vision 2030 goals:

• Drive organic growth;

• Deepen our operational excellence; and
• Enhance shareholder returns in an evolving, sustainable consumer packaging market.

Q. What are your top business and operational priorities for Graphic Packaging in the near term?

A. Serve customers and accelerate innovation: A key priority is to continue serving our existing and future customers with our world-class packaging solutions and service while we accelerate our innovation engine. As part of my leadership approach, we will look at new opportunities beyond traditional markets, where our quality advantage positions us to offer our customers alternative solutions to single use plastics, foam and bleached paperboard. We have the ability to expand our reach and set new standards for leadership in the industry, all while leveraging our low-cost manufacturing network.

Optimize operations under Vision 2030: Second, we will be taking a careful look at Graphic Packaging's footprint and the way we operate. Under Vision 2025, the Company has grown, and we have opportunities to continue to drive the productivity levels needed to deliver on the promise of Vision 2030.

Sharpen financial discipline: Third, we will sharpen our focus on earnings and free cash flow generation to drive value creation. Our capital spending will be lower now that we have completed our Waco facility. We will also focus on reducing our elevated inventory levels. This disciplined approach will support our goal of growing the business while reducing leverage, returning capital to shareholders and achieving an investment grade credit rating by 2030.

Q. How do you assess Graphic Packaging's strengths today, and how will those strengths support the company's next phase of growth?

A. The opportunities in front of us are significant, and as we execute our strategy, we will be guided by our proven strengths. We have some of the best operators in the industry, including in our recycled and wood-based paperboard manufacturing facilities and packaging plants. The quality and strength of our supply chain, innovation and commercialization capabilities will be central to our success. I am excited to work with our teams and eager to build on our strengths and unlock our full potential.

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