HARTSVILLE, S.C. — Sonoco has introduced another leadership reorganization within its consumer packaging business, marking the latest step in aligning its management structure after completing several years of acquisitions, divestitures and portfolio restructuring.

The move follows the company’s repeated statements that its major business transformation is largely complete and that attention is now shifting toward operational execution and growth.

Leadership Changes Follow Portfolio Overhaul

Sonoco has spent the past several years reshaping its business through a series of strategic transactions and organizational changes.

Speaking during the company’s investor day in February, President and CEO Howard Coker said Sonoco had completed its portfolio transformation and was entering a new phase focused on operational performance.

The latest leadership adjustment comes after Sonoco reorganized its consumer packaging operations into two geographic business segments and combined its metal packaging and rigid paper containers businesses under a single structure.

The company had previously separated those businesses into distinct operating segments less than two years earlier.

Major Acquisitions and Divestitures Reshaped Business

Sonoco’s portfolio has changed significantly since late 2024 through several major transactions, including:

• The $3.8 billion acquisition of Eviosys, expanding its metal packaging business.
• The $1.8 billion sale of its flexibles and thermoformed packaging business to Toppan Holdings.
• The divestment of ThermoSafe temperature-controlled packaging operations to Arsenal Capital Partners for up to $725 million.

The restructuring has repositioned Sonoco around higher-value consumer and industrial packaging businesses.

Executive Team Continues to Evolve

The company’s management team has also undergone significant changes during the transformation period.

In June 2025, Sonoco appointed Paul Joachimczyk as Chief Financial Officer as part of its broader leadership refresh.

Ernest Haynes, who has worked at Sonoco since 1997, continues to play a key role in the company’s consumer packaging operations. Earlier this year, he described the importance of providing stability for employees and customers while the company completed its organizational changes.

Following the latest restructuring, Haynes said the revised consumer packaging structure is expected to simplify operations and improve organizational efficiency.

Focus Shifts to Operational Growth

With its major acquisitions and divestitures completed, Sonoco is now focusing on integrating its businesses, improving operational performance and serving customers through a simplified organizational structure.

The company generated approximately $7.5 billion in annual sales and continues to expand its global presence across metal, paper and industrial packaging markets.

Last Updated on 06/08/2026 by Jota Machinery