Berlin Packaging chief executive officer and chairman steps down

Berlin Packaging has announced that Andrew Berlin has stepped down from his roles as CEO and chairman of the company, effective immediately.

A statement by the Chicago-based business didn’t reveal why he has left but said his “departure is not due to any disagreement with the company regarding its financial reporting, financial policies or financial practices”.

Andrew Berlin and his father, Melvin Berlin, purchased the business in 1988 at which time it had sales of $70 million. Since then, the company has experienced 32 consecutive years of earnings growth and last year achieved sales of $1.4 billion.

Berlin will be available in an advisory capacity until the end of the year for transition purposes.

Meanwhile, Berlin Packaging has appointed John Zimmerman as interim CEO and Michael Grebe as executive chairman.

“The company remains on a solid upward trajectory and is poised to deliver on its financial objectives for the year,” said Grebe.

“John knows the company well, having served as its interim chief financial officer in 2016 and as a member of the company’s board since 2017. He and I will work closely with the company’s talented leadership team as the board proceeds with an orderly search for a new chief executive.” 

Zimmerman has previously served as CFO of engineering and manufacturing group Tomkins.

Berlin Packaging supplies glass, plastic and metal containers and closures. So far this year, the company has carried out five acquisitions, including deals for Verrerie Calvet, Vincap & Adolfse, Vetroservice, Vidrimon and Novio.