Ira Boots (1954 – ) started his career as a toolmaker at Imperial Plastics in Evansville, IN, in 1978. At the time, Imperial Plastics was a relatively small company with 40 employees and several million dollars in sales annually. Imperial Plastics soon became Berry Plastics, then Berry Global, where Ira rose through the ranks, eventually becoming Chairman and CEO.

He led Berry through three private equity owners and explosive growth from its humble beginnings. Under his leadership, Berry grew to employ more than 18,000 people with sales of nearly five billion dollars. He credits his emphasis on automation, one of the strategic foundations of Berry’s success, to Plastics Hall of Fame member Robert Schad.

He has worked with equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, and product development engineers to develop innovative products that have created new markets. One example is the development of deep-draw polypropylene cups, which are now used throughout North America as an alternative to paper and polystyrene cups. More important than his success is his humble approach to business operations and corporate leadership.

Those who have had the privilege of working with him respect and revere him. Today, Ira serves as Chairman of the board for Milacron Holding Company. When Ira’s name is mentioned in the Plastics Industry, it is met with praise and admiration.