Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY) announced the death of Philip M. Neal, the company’s retired chairman and chief executive officer. He was 68 years old and died of heart failure at his home on Oct. 29.
A global leader in office products, Avery Dennison, headquartered in Pasadena, CA, USA, is a Fortune 500 company that makes a wide range of products, including specialty tapes, peel-and-stick postage stamps, and labels for automotive, industrial and durable goods applications.
Terry Schuler, a former senior vice president for human resources for Avery who retired in 2007, said Neal was influential in three areas key to the company's growth: leadership development, workplace safety and customer service. Schuler also noted that Avery was the first firm in its industry to establish business in China, in the early 1990s.
"Phil gave huge emphasis on developing leaders internally," Schuler said. "Every one of Avery's five CEOs was internally developed. Avery was recognized in 2005 and 2007 by Hewitt, a major consulting firm, as one of the top 20 companies for leaders in North America."
Schuler also noted that Neal developed his own successor, current President and Chief Executive Dean A. Scarborough.
“Phil Neal’s death is a blow to all who knew him,” said Scarborough. “This company has lost one of its best leaders. He will long be remembered for his dedication to Avery Dennison and his focus on developing leaders in every area of our business around the world.”
Prior to joining Avery Dennison, Neal was associated with McKinsey & Co., Los Angeles. Earlier he held positions in financial planning and analysis with Columbia Broadcasting Systems (CBS). He graduated from Pomona College in 1962 with a degree in economics and received an MBA from Stanford University in 1964.
Neal is survived by his wife, Beverly, and two children, Brian and Kevin Neal.
A global leader in office products, Avery Dennison, headquartered in Pasadena, CA, USA, is a Fortune 500 company that makes a wide range of products, including specialty tapes, peel-and-stick postage stamps, and labels for automotive, industrial and durable goods applications.
Terry Schuler, a former senior vice president for human resources for Avery who retired in 2007, said Neal was influential in three areas key to the company's growth: leadership development, workplace safety and customer service. Schuler also noted that Avery was the first firm in its industry to establish business in China, in the early 1990s.
"Phil gave huge emphasis on developing leaders internally," Schuler said. "Every one of Avery's five CEOs was internally developed. Avery was recognized in 2005 and 2007 by Hewitt, a major consulting firm, as one of the top 20 companies for leaders in North America."
Schuler also noted that Neal developed his own successor, current President and Chief Executive Dean A. Scarborough.
“Phil Neal’s death is a blow to all who knew him,” said Scarborough. “This company has lost one of its best leaders. He will long be remembered for his dedication to Avery Dennison and his focus on developing leaders in every area of our business around the world.”
Prior to joining Avery Dennison, Neal was associated with McKinsey & Co., Los Angeles. Earlier he held positions in financial planning and analysis with Columbia Broadcasting Systems (CBS). He graduated from Pomona College in 1962 with a degree in economics and received an MBA from Stanford University in 1964.
Neal is survived by his wife, Beverly, and two children, Brian and Kevin Neal.
