Matt Matsuo selected as Lifetime Business Innovator of the Year for 2019 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP)

  TENAFLY, NJ - 05/17/2018 (PRESS RELEASE JET)

Matt M. Matsuo, Former COO and President of r-pac International Group was just recently selected as Lifetime Business Innovator of the Year for 2019 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP).

While inclusion with the International Association of Top Professionals is an honor in itself, only 10 Business Leaders are chosen for this distinction.Mr. Matsuo was also just recently honored at IAOTP’s Annual Award Gala at the Ritz Carlton in NYC where he was presented with the Man of the Year Award for 2018. www.iaotp.com/award-gala

Mr. Matsuo is being recognized for his 54 years of international business experience, and for his expertise in the private labeling and packaging industry. During the 60's & 70’s, Matt led the globalization of the YKK Zipper Corporation, expanding their business worldwide and helped them become the number one zipper company in America in less than 10 years.

Mr. Matsuo was also honored at the 2016 IAOTP’s Annual Award Gala, where they presented him with the Sapphire Diamond Crystal piece engraved for his Lifetime of Achievement and Success and for his selection as Top Professional of the Year in Private Labeling. For the 2017 Matt and his wife Keiko were featured on the famous Reuters Billboard in Times Square NYC.

In the late 70’s, Matt developed the “private label” concept for the packaging industry.His model was adopted worldwide, creating a multi-billion dollar industry.  Matt is fondly referred to as the "Godfather of Private Labeling and Packaging."  

Moving on from YKK, during the early 80’s Matt started implementing his Concept to American Silk Label Co., the oldest and the largest Label Company in the world.He continued helping and directing Globalization of a few Multi-National Packaging Companies to become very successful Global Private label Packaging Companies such as ATP, Paxar and FGM/UPDL.In April 1977, FGM/UPDL has been awarded by Walmart as The Best International Packaging Provider at American Club, Hong Kong.In late 2000, Mr. Matsuo’s Company e-Pac has merged into one of the US mid-size Packaging Company and thus created r-pac International Corp and within 10 years, r-pac International Corp., ranked second in the world. In February 2007, r-pac International has been awarded by Target Corp., as The Best International Packaging Supplier.

Recently retired in February of 2018, Matt’s former day to day responsibilities were overseeing all aspects of sourcing, production, distribution and international operations at r-pac International Group. The company has been awarded by major retailers for their consistency in maintaining brand integrity and has become a leader in the private Label Packaging distribution of both an array of softline apparel labels, packaging and tags as well as hardline packaging. Additionally, their involvement in the retail solutions business has helped further shape the private label packaging industry.

With over 30 manufacturing locations worldwide, including 11 US and 7 EU Sales Offices, r-pac International continues to thrive and Mr. Matsuo has created a legacy.

Matt received his Bachelor of Business in Global Marketing and Retailing from Kyoto University of Foreign Studies in 1964.  He remains active with various YKK foundations and American private label industry organizations. Additionally, he is affiliated with charities bringing relief to areas of Japan affected by the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami.

Mr. Matsuo is currently working on his book about the industry, his life, the people he’s met and the experiences he’s had along the way. On April 10^th 2018 Matt & his wife Keiko celebrated their 50^th Wedding Anniversary at the same hotel they were married in Kyoto Japan.They held a big party with all their family, friends and business colleagues who made such a significant impact on their lives. Matt says he expresses immense gratitude for his wife Keiko who has supported him throughout his illustrious career and plans to spend the rest of his days living for her from now on. 

For More Information on Matt watch his tribute video at www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_1xXbbBVZA

About IAOTP

The International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) is an international boutique networking organization who handpicks the world’s finest, most prestigious top professionals from different industries.  These top professionals are given an opportunity to collaborate, share their ideas, be keynote speakers and to help influence others in their fields. This organization is not a membership that anyone can join.  You have to be asked by the President or be nominated by a distinguished honorary member after a brief interview. 

IAOTP's experts have given thousands of top prestigious professionals around the world, the recognition and credibility that they deserve and have helped in building their branding empires.  IAOTP prides itself to be a one of a kind boutique networking organization that hand picks only the best of the best and creates a networking platform that connects and brings these top professionals to one place.

For More information of IAOTP please visit www.iaotp.com

www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_1xXbbBVZA