“Diversity matters”: Jill Evanko at “Women in Packaging”

With “Women in Packaging,” interpack 2026 is once again sending a strong signal for diversity, exchange, and career development in the global processing and packaging industry. The format brings together women from different fields and career stages and features, among other things, panel discussions with leading speakers. One of them is Jill Evanko, CEO of Duravant. We spoke with her about industry challenges, leadership, and career paths.

Companies need to continuously assess their own agility-especially when it comes to capital allocation. If labor shortages persist, it becomes critical to stay ahead of automation opportunities, particularly in the most affected areas. At the same time, companies need a clear technology strategy: how quickly to adopt new technologies, how they align with other priorities, and how they impact competitiveness. A strong foundation in cybersecurity is equally important to protect assets and data.

Compensation matters, but it is far from the only factor. People spend a significant amount of time at work and want to grow while contributing to the company. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Companies need to tailor their strategies depending on the individual, the role, and the career stage. This can include flexible working models as well as opportunities for skills development, especially for technical roles. Long-term program are also key — from executive leadership development to engineering fellowships and resource groups for different career stages. Providing a broad range of opportunities helps people feel more connected to the business. 

Technical industries are fundamentally open to everyone, regardless of gender. What is changing, however, is confidence - women are increasingly stepping into different roles in technical fields. Diversity is extremely valuable for our industry because it brings different perspectives and ways of thinking. It remains the responsibility of leaders to actively foster this development. 

I strongly believe in creating space for meaningful discussions. That is exactly what “Women in Packaging” does. It provides an opportunity to openly discuss key topics, share experiences, and connect with others. At the same time, it is also a place where business happens. It’s a win-win: we support each other’s personal growth, exchange ideas, and build connections that positively impact our day-to-day business.

Don’t focus on a job title, but rather on the opportunities that come your way. Career paths rarely unfold exactly as planned at the outset. It’s important to stay open to new perspectives, even if that means not taking an immediate step forward or choosing an unconventional path at first. A variety of experiences is often the key to success. And one more thing: It is possible to be both a good mother and a successful leader,even if it doesn’t always feel that way.