TricorBraun Appoints Kevin Weadick as New CEO to Drive Growth and Innovation

TricorBraun Welcomes Kevin Weadick as New CEO

In a strategic move to enhance its global operations, TricorBraun, a prominent leader in the packaging industry, has appointed Kevin Weadick as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective May 5, 2025. He will take over the reins from Court Carruthers, who is retiring after a significant tenure that spanned over eight years.

Weadick's rich background in managing high-growth companies is expected to play a pivotal role in steering TricorBraun towards its ambitious objectives. His previous experience as the CEO of FleetPride, one of North America's largest truck and trailer parts distributors, has equipped him with the necessary skills to elevate TricorBraun's operational excellence and innovation.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kevin as the new CEO of TricorBraun," said Keith Strope, the Executive Chairman of the company. "His extensive background in supply chain management and leadership across various distribution businesses aligns perfectly with our goals for robust growth and exceptional customer service."

Weadick's career includes notable positions in Grainger, where he held global leadership roles, most recently as President of Zoro, a fast-growing tech supply firm that caters to small and medium-sized businesses in North America. His educational background includes a degree from the University of Wisconsin and an early career at PwC. Weadick, a Chicago native, will be operating from TricorBraun's Design and Engineering Studio located in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.

In his own words, Weadick expressed enthusiasm about joining the TricorBraun team at such a pivotal moment: "This company boasts a proud legacy, a strong culture, and an incredibly talented team. My aim will be to leverage the existing momentum to drive sustainable growth, deliver exceptional service to our clients, and continue investing in developing the best team in the packaging industry. I am excited about the opportunities ahead and eager to work with this team to forge the next chapter of growth and innovation for our stakeholders and clients."

Court Carruthers, who has been instrumental in the company’s success, led TricorBraun to achieve remarkable milestones, including tripling revenue and EBITDA, executing 30 acquisitions, and expanding its footprint in Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions. Under his stewardship, TricorBraun entered new sectors such as aluminum cans and flexible packaging, while also successfully managing the transition of ownership to private equity firms Ares and Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan in 2021.

Reflecting on his time at TricorBraun, Carruthers stated, "It has been my privilege to work alongside such a talented and dedicated team over the past eight years. I am immensely proud of what we have achieved and more excited than ever about the future of the company. I have known Kevin for over 15 years and I look forward to supporting him and the entire TricorBraun team in this new chapter."

Natasha Li, partner at Ares, and Ashfaq Qadri, managing director of Ontario Teachers', also commended Carruthers for his leadership, highlighting the significant growth achieved both organically and through strategic acquisitions under his guidance. "Court has laid a strong foundation for ongoing success, and we look forward to Kevin utilizing his distribution expertise to further drive TricorBraun's global expansion."

As TricorBraun embarks on this new journey with Weadick at the helm, the organization emphasizes its commitment to addressing complex packaging challenges and helping customers succeed in an ever-evolving market. Founded in 1902, TricorBraun remains at the forefront of packaging solutions, relying on its extensive global network and experienced professionals. With over 2,300 packaging experts operating from more than 100 locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, TricorBraun continues to innovate and enhance its service offerings to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

In conclusion, the leadership transition marks a significant moment for TricorBraun, one that is poised to sustain its upward trajectory and maintain its position as a leader in the packaging industry. With Weadick's vision and expertise, the future looks bright as TricorBraun seeks to continue its legacy of excellence and innovation in packaging.