The EastWest Institute acknowledges the passing of Leo Schenker, noted business leader and Director Emeritus at the EastWest Institute.

Mr. Schenker passed away on Sunday, September 22. He was 97. 
 
“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we have learned of Mr. Schenker’s passing,” commented Dr. William J. Parker, CEO & President of the EastWest Institute. “Mr. Schenker enthusiastically supported the work of the institute for many years, providing both strategic guidance and taking a hands-on approach to programmatic activities. His passion and dedication will be sorely missed and he will always be held with the greatest admiration.”  

A native of Vienna, Austria, Mr. Schenker was a Holocaust survivor. The testimony of his experience was documented by the Shoah Foundation at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.

Mr. Schenker was Senior Executive Vice President at Central National Gottesman Inc., one of the largest privately owned worldwide sales organizations in the pulp and paper industry. Specializing in the newsprint arena and developing new markets globally, he enjoyed a 64-year career with the company.

Mr. Schenker was an active and long-standing member of the EastWest Institute's Board of Directors and served on the Institute's Executive Committee. He was also a member of the Chairman's Council of the United Nations.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Livia Schenker; son Curtis, daughter-in-law Carolyn and three grandchildren.