Howard Coker.
Packaging company Sonoco has named Howard Coker as chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Coker, 57, succeeds Robert Tiede, 61, who has chosen to retire from the company after serving as CEO since April 2018.
Since joining Sonoco in 1985, Coker has held several senior leadership positions and was most recently senior vice president of its paper/industrial converted products segment.
“Howard’s strong operating acumen, along with his passion for Sonoco, has played a significant role in the development of our global industrial and consumer businesses over his 35-year career,” said James Micali, lead independent director of Sonoco’s board.
“He has built an outstanding track record of growth and improved business performance and is an authentic leader, who is driven by Sonoco’s core values. He is well positioned to lead Sonoco into the next decade.”
Coker added: “I’m honoured by the confidence the board has shown in me and embrace this opportunity. I grew up in this company, so I am deeply connected to Sonoco, its culture and all the people who have helped build it into what it is today.
“I look forward to working with our strong leadership team, alongside our 23,000 associates globally, to build Sonoco into an even greater company to the benefit of our shareholders, our people and our communities.”
Tiede became Sonoco CEO in April 2018 after serving as executive vice president and chief operating officer from 2016, in addition to holding other senior leadership roles throughout his career with the company.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my career with Sonoco, from running several consumer businesses to working on key acquisitions,” he said. “I am proud to have been part of building the company to where it is today. I want to wish the entire Sonoco team, and especially Howard, all the success in the future.”
Last year, Sonoco acquired recycled paperboard manufacturer Corenso Holdings America for approximately $110m.
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