Our Client
Smurfit Kappa is an FTSE 100 company and one of the world’s leading providers of paper-based packaging solutions.
With over 47,000 employees across 36 countries and €12.8 billion in annual revenue, they are a global leader in sustainable packaging.
The Background
The UK & Ireland division required a Safety Director to lead and evolve their safety strategy across 35 sites. This was a pivotal leadership role, reporting to the UK&I Operations Director and working closely with the European VP of Health & Safety.
The ideal candidate needed to bring strategic vision, technical depth, and the ability to influence across a complex, multi-site matrix structure.
Our Approach
We applied our Executive Search methodology, combining deep sector knowledge with a research-led process. We...
Conducted in-depth briefings to understand strategic goals and cultural fit.
Mapped the market across manufacturing and industrial sectors.
Assessed candidates through structured interviews and benchmarking.
The Outcome
We successfully placed a senior EHS leader who has since made a measurable impact across Smurfit Kappa’s UK & Ireland operations.
The appointment has accelerated the company’s safety transformation, strengthened compliance, and enhanced cultural engagement across 35 sites.
Safety Culture Transformation: Rolled out a Total Safety Culture programme, improving employee engagement and proactive safety behaviours.
Compliance and Risk Reduction: Strengthened ISO compliance across ISO 14001, 45001, and 50001, while implementing strategic risk reduction initiatives.
Leadership and Team Development: Mentored and developed site safety leads, driving consistency and performance across the regional safety function.
Why Us?
At Irwin and Colton, we understand that executive hiring is about more than just qualifications; it’s about finding leaders who can shape culture, drive performance, and deliver long-term value.
Our Executive Search service is tailored, discreet, and built on deep industry insight and a robust, research-led approach.
Whether you're hiring for a board-level role or a critical leadership position, we act as a trusted partner, bringing clarity, confidence, and expertise to every stage of the search.
For support with Executive Search recruitment, please contact us.