The Metro New York Printing Ink Association (MNYPIA) recently honored Edward R. Pruitt, chief procurement officer of Sun Chemical Corporation, as its Man of the Year during a recent dinner at the Brownstone in Paterson, NJ.

Mr. Pruitt, who is the 10th recipient of the award, is responsible for managing the total purchasing spend and the global procurement organization of the world’s largest producer of printing inks and pigments. Prior to joining Sun Chemical in 2006, Mr. Pruitt spent six years as vice president, materials and supply chain for American Standard Companies, a $10 billion diversified company with leading market positions in the heating and air conditioning, plumbing products and vehicle controls industries.

From 1998 to 2000, he was director of supply chain for the Specialty Chemicals business of Honeywell, a $33 billion globally diversified manufacturing and technology company. Prior to that role, he worked in a variety of positions in Honeywell’s (formerly Allied Signal’s) Engineered Materials Sector having joined the company in 1980 as its phenol/acetone manufacturing plant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Mr. Pruitt began his career working for Texaco, Inc. in their marine operations department at the Eagle Point refinery. He graduated with a BA degree from Temple University, and earned an MBA from Rutgers University.

Master of ceremonies Bill Mol presented Mr. Pruitt with the award. “Ed is one of the brightest people I’ve met,” said Mr. Mol. “Prior to Ed, we had five chief procurement officers in five years.”

Mr. Pruitt said he was surprised to find out about receiving the honor.

“When I was called about being chosen for this great recognition from the Metro New York Printing Ink Association, I was honestly taken aback,” Mr. Pruitt said. “I’m relatively new to this industry.

“We live in really crazy times, where we wonder if our economy is ever going to get out the doldrums,” he said. “Smart people who work together will prevail. I’m lucky I work with great people at Sun Chemical. I’m also lucky to work with great suppliers. I’d like to thank the Metro New York Printing Ink Association and all the good work they do.”

To see photos from the Man of the Year Dinner, please click here.