10.10.14
At Avery’s invitation, Smith joined his college friend in 1946 as one-third owner, director, vice president and general manager of the Avery Adhesive Label Company. Over the next 40 years, he also served at various times as president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board. In 1983, he was elected chairman of the executive committee of the board and held that position until his retirement from the board in April 1995. He served as a director emeritus until his death.
“Our company owes its existence and character in large part to Russ Smith’s business acumen, personal integrity and generosity of spirit,” says Dean Scarborough, Avery Dennison chairman, president and chief executive officer. “Above all, he and Stan shared a deep commitment to doing the right thing every day, and together they built a very strong corporate culture. Russ was a model of values-based business leadership.”