TricorBraun, one of the largest packaging distributors, has appointed Kevin Weadick as its new president and CEO, effective May 5. He replaces Court Carruthers, who is retiring from day-to-day operations after eight years in the role and will be transitioned to vice chair on the company’s board of directors.
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TricorBraun, based in St. Louis, operates more than 100 locations across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia, distributing rigid and flexible packaging products such as bottles, jars, closures, and industrial containers. With a network of over 2,300 employees, the company serves customers across sectors including food and beverage, household chemicals, personal care, and healthcare. It is backed by private equity firms Ares Management, Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, and AEA Investors.
Weadick joins TricorBraun from FleetPride, a major distributor of aftermarket truck and trailer parts. He previously held senior roles at industrial supplier Grainger, including as president of Zoro, the company’s ecommerce business focused on small and mid-sized customers. A University of Wisconsin graduate, Weadick will be based at TricorBraun’s design and engineering facility in Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois.
His appointment comes as TricorBraun looks to continue its expansion strategy, which under Carruthers included 30 acquisitions and significant growth in international markets and packaging sectors such as aluminum cans and flexible formats. During his tenure, the company tripled both its revenue and EBITDA.
“I’m honored to join TricorBraun at such an exciting time,” Weadick said in a statement. “My focus will be to build on the momentum in place, drive sustainable growth, and deliver exceptional service to our customers.”
Carruthers, who became CEO in 2017, led the company through a 2021 ownership transition from AEA Investors to Ares and Ontario Teachers’, with AEA retaining a minority stake. In stepping down, he cited the strength of the team and his confidence in Weadick’s leadership.
“Kevin brings deep distribution and supply chain experience to TricorBraun,” Carruthers said. “I’ve known him for more than 15 years and look forward to supporting him and the company in this next stage.”
