One of America’s leading Black executives, Denise Singleton, executive vice president, general counsel, and secretary at WestRock, received a total compensation package of $5.99 million from the U.S. corrugated packaging company in 2022.
Singleton — who assumed her pivotal role at WestRock in March 2022 — received a base salary of $0.39 million and non-equity incentive plan compensation of $0.43 million, reflecting her crucial role in the development of the second-largest American packaging firm.
She also received a long-term incentive of $4.86 million driven by her profound impact on WestRock’s financial performance and her influence, which extended beyond fiscal metrics. She has played a key role in redefining corporate affairs and championing sustainability in the packaging company.
Singleton’s journey from IDEX to WestRock’s EVP, general counsel, and secretary
WestRock Company, the Atlanta-based packaging company, rose from the 2015 merger of MeadWestvaco and RockTenn. Boasting a global workforce of 58,000 across more than 300 facilities, it recorded net sales of $21.26 billion in 2022, up from $18.75 billion in 2021, solidifying its market dominance and growth trajectory.
Singleton’s impressive career trajectory reflects her deep expertise and leadership acumen. Prior to joining WestRock, she held key roles at IDEX Corporation, SunCoke Energy, Inc., PPG Industries, and a Washington, D.C., law firm.
Her appointment as EVP, general counsel, and secretary in March 2022 marked another milestone, entrusting her with leading all legal, regulatory, compliance, environmental, government affairs, and corporate governance matters for WestRock.
Corporate confidence: Singleton’s 0.0083-percent stake reflects faith in WestRock’s trajectory
Singleton’s leadership at WestRock has been a driving force behind the company’s recent financial successes. In recent times, the paper, and packaging giant has seen impressive growth, with gross profit surging by 17.02 percent from $3.43 billion in 2021 to $4.02 billion in 2022.
But Singleton’s impact extends beyond mere corporate metrics. Her dedication to WestRock extends to a personal level, as evidenced by her investment in the company’s future. She owns a 0.0083-percent stake, representing 21,290 ordinary shares valued at $0.89 million.
This personal investment underscores her confidence in WestRock’s trajectory and unwavering commitment to its long-term prosperity.
