This content was written and submitted by the supplier. It has only been modified to comply with this publication’s space and style.
The Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) announced that Conor Carlin will become President on August 1, 2026, following a planned leadership transition with Executive Director Jane Chase, CPPL.
Carlin joined IoPP on July 1 and is working alongside Chase throughout July to ensure a seamless transition for members, volunteers, partners, sponsors, and stakeholders. Chase, who announced her retirement in June, concludes more than 30 years of service to IoPP and the packaging profession on July 31.
“Following a thoughtful search, the Board of Directors is excited to welcome Conor Carlin to IoPP as President. His leadership skills, passion, and commitment to the packaging profession make him the right person to build on the strong foundation Jane Chase has established. We are thrilled to have him and look forward to the valuable insights he will bring to our mission,” Nicole Kandoth, Chair of the IoPP Board of Directors, said.
Carlin brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across the packaging, plastics, and advanced materials industries. Throughout his career, he has built strategic partnerships, led business growth, advanced professional education, and supported innovation across the packaging value chain in North America, Australia, and Europe.
He joins IoPP from Clefs Advisory LLC, where he serves as President, advising companies on sustainable business strategy, market expansion, packaging recyclability, and the application of AI to small and medium sized manufacturing firms. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of North American operations for ILLIG Maschinenbau GmbH & Co. KG., leading commercial strategy, business growth, and customer partnerships across food, consumer packaged goods, medical, and industrial packaging markets.
A longtime association leader, Carlin recently completed a nine-year term on the Executive Board of the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), including service as the first VP of Sustainability and President. His experience includes strategic planning, board governance, volunteer leadership, chapter engagement, and advancing education and professional development for members worldwide. He has also served as Managing Editor of SPE's divisional publications and has been an IoPP member since 2020.
Carlin is also a recognized thought leader in packaging and sustainability. He is the co-author and editor of the second edition of Plastics & Sustainability: Grey is the New Green, has contributed articles to international industry publications, and has represented the plastics industry through the United Nations Environment Programme. In 2023, he was recognized by Plastics News as a "Notable Leader in Sustainability."
Looking ahead, Carlin sees tremendous opportunity for both IoPP and the packaging profession.
“I am honored and excited to be joining IoPP. The organization is more relevant and important today than at any point in its history. EPR legislation in the US, PPWR requirements in Europe, and sustainability mandates worldwide are creating a new category of required expertise that IoPP members deliver every day. If you are making decisions about packaging materials, design, supply chain, or sustainability, you should be here with us,” Carlin said.
Following the official transition on August 1, Carlin will lead IoPP’s continued efforts to create networking and educational opportunities that help packaging professionals succeed. He will work closely with members, chapters, technical committees, volunteers, partners, and staff to build on the organization's strong foundation while advancing its mission and strategic priorities.
