The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) has confirmed that Immediate Past President Bennett ‘Ben’ Markens has been named the recipient of the 2026 Robert T. Gair Award, the organisation’s highest and most distinguished honour.
The award was presented during PPC’s Spring Meeting Awards Dinner in Louisville, KY, where nearly 250 industry leaders from across North America gathered to celebrate a lifetime of leadership, service, and impact. The evening included several special guests who traveled in for the occasion, including Markens’ wife and life partner, Jennie, his daughter, Beth, and former Chief of Staff, Western MA native Lou Kornet, all of whom joined in recognizing this meaningful milestone.
The Robert T. Gair Award is reserved for individuals whose careers demonstrate lasting impact across three areas: advancing the paperboard packaging industry, providing leadership within PPC, and strengthening their companies and communities. Since its establishment in 1988, only a select group of industry leaders has received this recognition.
Markens’ career spans more than forty-five years and reflects deep experience across nearly every facet of the folding carton industry. From operations and manufacturing to executive leadership and strategy, he has built a reputation as a thoughtful, steady leader and a trusted voice across the industry.
Emily Leonczyk, President of PPC, joined Hilda Murray, PPC Board Chair and Executive Vice President and co-owner of TPC Packaging in Chattanooga, TN, to present the award. The presentation featured a tribute video with voices from across Markens’ career, capturing both the scope of his contributions and the character behind them.
“Industries do not evolve by accident. They evolve because of individuals who choose to contribute to something bigger than themselves,” said Leonczyk. “Ben has done exactly that. He has opened doors, created opportunities, and shaped not only this industry, but the people within it.”
For more information about the Robert T. Gair Award and past recipients, visit www.paperbox.org/gair
