Geo. M. Martin Company, a global leader in material handling solutions for the corrugated industry, has announced a strategic leadership transition that marks an important step in the company’s evolution as it approaches its 100th anniversary.
George R. Martin, who has served as President/Chief Executive Officer, will continue his role as CEO. In this capacity, Martin will maintain his focus on guiding the company’s long-term vision, driving strategic growth initiatives, strengthening industry leadership, and ensuring Geo. M. Martin remains at the forefront of innovation in the corrugated industry. As the third generation of the Martin family to lead the nearly century-old company, George and co-owner Patricia (Martin) Curtis maintain a deep respect for its heritage while embracing forward-looking strategies to ensure long-term sustainability.
Stepping into the role of President is Laila Jaffer, formerly Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Jaffer, who has been with Geo. M. Martin Company since 2013, has played a pivotal role in advancing operational excellence, fostering customer satisfaction, and driving continued financial growth. Her leadership in streamlining processes, optimizing resources, and ensuring the company remains financially strong has positioned her as an ideal choice to guide day-to-day operations. Her promotion reflects the company’s commitment to developing leadership talent internally and ensuring a smooth and strategic succession plan for both employees and customers.
Charles Rizzuti, Senior Executive Vice President of Engineering, is promoted to Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Rizzuti, who has been with the company for over three decades, has been an integral force in advancing the company’s engineering and technology initiatives, spearheading the development of innovative automation solutions, and enhancing the performance and reliability of Geo. M. Martin’s product lines. As CTO, he will lead the company’s technology strategy, oversee product development, and ensure that engineering advancements are aligned with the company’s vision for the future and industry needs. He will continue to direct customer service and support ensuring Martin owners continue to receive unparalleled field service as well as remote service and support.
“It has been a privilege to lead Geo. M. Martin as President/CEO, and to be on hand as Laila and Charles transition into their new leadership roles,” said George R. Martin. “Laila has been an exceptional leader within our organization, and I am confident her vision and dedication will drive continued success. Likewise, Charles’s engineering expertise, innovative mindset, and deep understanding of our customers and industry will be instrumental in keeping us, and our customers on the cutting edge of technology.”
Jaffer shared her enthusiasm for the future, “I am honored to serve as President of the Geo. M. Martin Company. I look forward to building on the strong foundation George and our leadership team have created, and to working closely with our talented employees to deliver innovative solutions and outstanding value to our customers. I also hope my appointment inspires more women to pursue leadership positions in manufacturing, where diverse perspectives are vital for innovation and progress.”
Rizzuti adds, “Innovation is at the core of what we do. In my new role as CTO, I am excited to lead our engineering and production teams in developing advanced solutions that help our customers achieve new levels of productivity, reliability, and quality. The future of this industry will be defined by those who embrace technology, and Geo. M. Martin intends to remain at the forefront.”
This leadership transition reflects Geo. M. Martin Company’s dedication to continuous improvement, customer satisfaction, and product innovation. As the company approaches its centennial milestone, it remains committed to delivering high-performance solutions that set industry standards around the world.
