Tony Smurfit presented with Distinguished Leadership Award by The Ireland Funds

Tony Smurfit, President and Group Chief Executive of Smurfit Westrock, was presented with the ‘Distinguished Leadership Award’ at The Ireland Funds’ 50th Anniversary Gala in New York on May 7.

This award recognizes an individual whose leadership and pioneering contributions have made a lasting impact on the world. At the event, Tony was commended for being an ‘outstanding’ business leader for his role at the helm of a packaging giant which spans 40 countries.

 “It’s both an honor and a privilege to receive this prestigious award from The Ireland Funds,” said Tony Smurfit. “At Smurfit Westrock, I work alongside a team of talented and dedicated people who have all played their part in building the global leader in sustainable packaging that we have today. It’s quite a transformation journey from where we started with one small box plant in Dublin.”

"Fifty years ago, our founders had a vision of harnessing the power of collective care for the island of Ireland," said Caitriona Fottrell, President & CEO of The Ireland Funds. "Fifty years later, we've built stronger communities, supported thousands of nonprofit organizations and improved the lives of countless people."

Over 800 people came together for the event which also honored legendary singer Carole King for her phenomenal contribution to the arts.

Established in 1976, The Ireland Funds is a global philanthropic network established to promote and invest in lasting peace & reconciliation, arts & culture, community development, education & innovation across the island of Ireland.  

 

L-R: At The Ireland Funds New York Gala on May 7, 2026:  Tony Smurfit, President & CEO of Smurfit Westrock, with Irial Finan, Chair of Smurfit Westrock and past honoree of The Ireland Funds Gala.