Timothy J. Nelson, Principal and Gateway Packaging Board Member along with the Board of Directors of Sawmill Capital has approved the transition of Roger D. Miller from Chairman and Chief Executive Officer to Chairman of the Board, to become effective on January 1, 2012.  At that time, Gateway President and Chief Operating Officer, Omar Abuaita, will become Chief Executive Officer, reporting directly to the Board of Directors.

Roger Miller has provided outstanding leadership and significant contributions to Gateway’s success over the past 30 years.  His strategic succession planning process has culminated in today's announcement. As chairman and CEO, Roger Miller implemented an ambitious strategy for growth and expansion that transformed the company into a leader in the U.S. market and positioned it for continued growth. Miller will remain active through ongoing leadership and strategic direction of Gateway in his role as Chairman.  He will play an important role in identifying strategic acquisitions to expand the breadth and scale of Gateway and enhance customer value proposition.     

Miller states, "It has been my honor and privilege to lead Gateway as CEO for over 30 years. During this time, I have had the opportunity to appoint and manage what I believe is the best leadership team in our industry. These leadership changes reflect our long-standing commitment to broadening and strengthening our management bench and put in place an enhanced management structure that we believe best suits the company we are today and the company we expect to be in the future. I have never been more confident than I am today in Gateway’s current position and future potential."

Omar Abuaita has worked in the packaging industry for over 24 years and took the role as COO of Gateway Packaging in June of 2011.  He has an impressive track record and vision for the future.  His transition to the role of CEO will be a seamless one. While working at Sonoco Products for over 23 years prior to joining Gateway, Omar Abuaita had immersed himself in every key area of the packaging business and distinguished himself as a leader within the flexible packaging industry. He has deep knowledge of the industry, and he has demonstrated extraordinary passion, dedication and leadership in Gateway Packaging's strategic goals.

Gateway Packaging Company
www.gatewaypackaging.com