This year, the Label Industry Global Awards is presenting two special awards to two industry greats who have led with dedication and passion, making an indelible mark on the industry.

The winner of the R. Stanton Avery Special Recognition Award, sponsored by Avery Dennison, is Ferdinand Rüesch IV, senior vice president, global key accounts, Anchor Investor Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG, Gallus Ferd. Rüesch AG. This award recognizes outstanding individuals who reflect the key values and vision of Stan Avery and his breakthroughs that founded the label industry.

Ferdinand Rüesch IV – known throughout the industry as Ferdi – 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.

Ferdinand Rüesch IV comments, “With my retirement on the horizon, I’ve been reflecting on many things. 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
Paul Teachout has been announced as the winner of this year’s Label Industry Global Achievement award, which celebrates individuals who have made significant lifetime contributions to the label industry 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 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 TLMI label competition.

Commenting on his award win, Teachout remarks, “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.”

The judging panel for the Label Industry Global Achievement Award consisted of chairman, Andy Thomas-Emans, strategic director, Labels & Labeling; Greg Hrinya, editor, Label & Narrow Web; Chelsea McDougall, group managing editor, Labels & Labeling; Tim McDonough, chairman, TLMI; and Lisa McTigue Pierce, executive editor, Packaging Digest.

Both awards will be presented at an awards ceremony on the first night of Labelexpo Americas 2024.

Label Industry Global Awards 2024 shortlist
The shortlisted nominations for the two remaining 2024 Label Industry Global Awards – Rising Star and Converter of the Year – have also been announced by the judging panel.

The shortlisted nominations for the Rising Star Award, sponsored by Avery Dennison, are:

• Alex Abbott, of Smart Solve
• Christian Bortolin, of Ammon Print
• Zach Janowski, of Wilson Manufacturing

This award recognizes the achievements of recent entrants to the label and packaging industry who represent the next leadership generation.

The nominees for the Converter of the Year Award are:

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

This award honors a label converting company that has encouraged a diverse and inclusive work environment, built a comprehensive training and development program for its employees, contributed to community or charity initiatives, and achieved high levels of customer satisfaction.

The winners of each category will be announced on the first night of Labelexpo Americas 2024, with the ceremony taking place at Parkway Bank Park in Rosemont, IL on September 10.

Jade Grace, managing director, Labels Group, comments, “Many congratulations to Paul Teachout for winning the Global Achievement Award. Paul’s dedication and passion for the label industry shone through in the judging process. Huge congratulations to Ferdinand Rüesch IV for winning the R. Stanton Avery Special Recognition Award, a true inspiration for our industry who will be sorely missed when he retires later in the year. Congratulations as well to nominated finalists for the Rising Star and Converter of the Year Awards.”