YAKIMA, WA — Kwik Lok, a leading global supplier of bag closures, announced it will transition the CEO role from Don Carrell to Eric Hill effective, Nov. 25. Carrell, who was named to the top position in 2019 after serving as COO, is leaving the company, although he will serve as a consultant to ensure a seamless transition.
“Don’s contributions to our business have been numerous, and we thank him for his hard work and dedication during his years at Kwik Lok,” said Kimberly Paxton-Hagner, Kwik Lok’s board chair. “As Eric takes on the CEO role, we face a rapidly changing environment driven by technological advancements, evolving regulations and shifting market dynamics. Eric’s experience in driving rapid change and expertise in managing growth will be key to reaching the next levels of success, taking our company to the next generation of ownership and customers.”
During his five-year tenure as CEO, Carrell emphasized innovation, growth and company culture. He helped Kwik Lok launch Eco-Lok, the company’s first sustainable product and expanded the company’s portfolio of sustainable closure options with Fibre-Lok and Enviro-Lok. He led the company through the COVID-19 pandemic, working to keep employees safe and supporting customers in the produce and bakery industries despite supply chain challenges. He also helped bring the vision of One Kwik Lok to life.
Hill joins Kwik Lok from Graphic Packaging International, where he most recently served as regional VP and General Manager. During his 15-year career at Graphic Packaging, Hill held various leadership roles, beginning as a plant manager and moving into roles with progressively more responsibility.
“I look forward to joining the Kwik Lok family and ramping up the company’s ability to innovate and grow at the pace required by today’s market,” Hill said. “Kwik Lok has a solid foundation as a market leader with a 70-year legacy of customer service, innovation and growth. I look forward to overseeing the company as it moves forward to meet the challenges of today’s marketplace.”
