Label Industry Honors its ‘Greats’

Labels help brands put their best face forward. And leaders help label companies attain their best achievements.

Two industry champs who have led with dedication and passion — making an indelible mark on the industry — have recently earned high praise. These Label Industry Global Awards are presented by the Labelexpo Global Series, in association with Labels & Labeling.

Ferdinand Rüesch IV; Label Industry Global Awards

R. Stanton Avery Special Recognition Award

Ferdinand Rüesch IV has won the R. Stanton Avery Special Recognition Award. Known throughout the industry as Ferdi, Rüesch IV is retiring soon as senior vice president, Global Key Accounts, Anchor Investor Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Gallus Ferd. Rüesch AG.

Sponsored by Avery Dennison, this award recognizes leaders who reflect the key values and vision of Stan Avery and his innovative breakthroughs that founded the label industry.

Rüesch IV took over the Gallus Group business from his father in the 1990s, accelerating Gallus’ growth globally, founding subsidiaries in the US, Australia, Germany, Denmark, and the United Kingdom.

“With my retirement on the horizon, I’ve been reflecting on many things,” says Rüesch IV. “When Andy Thomas-Emans called to tell me, I had won this award, I was speechless! The last 45 years of serving the industry flashed through my mind like a movie. I am thrilled, touched, and deeply honored. Receiving this award is especially meaningful because my father was the second recipient [of the then Man of Achievement Award] after Stanton Avery, making it even more special.”

Commenting on Ferdinand’s award win, Ryan Yost, Global President, Materials Group at Avery Dennison, says: “We are honored to recognize Ferdinand with the R. Stanton Avery Special Recognition Award for 2024. His dedication to the industry and global leadership not only inspired his own team at Gallus but also set an example of excellence for the industry. His reputation as a warm-hearted and inspiring leader embodies the qualities of Stan himself. This award celebrates Ferdinand’s vast achievements and the contributions he’s made over the last 45 years.”

Paul Teachout; Label Industry Global Awards

Label Industry Global Achievement award

Paul Teachout has earned the Label Industry Global Achievement award. This celebrates significant lifetime contributions, both on the national and international stages.

Teachout currently holds the position of Technical Marketing and Content Specialist at Harper Corporation of America. He is currently chair of the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) and sits on the boards of multiple educational institutions. He has actively supported the Phoenix Challenge High School competition since 2008 and is chair of the label competition for the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI).

Commenting on his award win, Teachout says: “I am extremely proud and honored to be the recipient of this year’s Global Achievement Award and to be included on a long list of amazingly influential people. It is wonderful to be recognized individually but I cannot emphasize enough that I would achieve nothing without the support of this wonderful industry. I have had the opportunity to work with so many amazing people and global leaders.

“These experiences have guided me and allowed me to learn and share around the world. I am so thankful to all who have joined me on this journey and especially to those at Labels & Labeling and the Label Industry Global Awards. Thank you for your unconditional support on this amazing journey. To be recognized and awarded for your passion is the most rewarding and humbling experience of my career.”

Still to be revealed …

Both Rüesch IV and Teachout will receive their awards during Labelexpo Americas 2024 (September 10-12; Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois).

The winners of the Rising Star and Converter of the Year categories will also be announced at the awards ceremony, which will take place at Parkway Bank Park the first night of the event, on September 10.

Nominees for Rising Star Award are:

• Alex Abbott, of SmartSolve Industries
• Christian Bortolin, of Ammon Print
• Zach Janowski, of Wilson Manufacturing

Nominees for Converter of the Year Award are:

• Any Graphics, from India
• Harkwell, from the UK
• NextGen Label Group, from the US

I served as one of the judges this year, along with Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director, Labels & Labeling (and awards chairman), Chelsea McDougall, group managing editor, Labels & Labeling, Tim McDonough, chairman, Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI), and Greg Hrinya, editor, Label & Narrow Web. So I’ll be at the awards ceremony. Hope to see you there.