Robert C. Tiede, 58, has been promoted to Sonoco’s executive vice president and chief operating officer and will have global leadership, sales and operating responsibility for all of the company’s diversified consumer, industrial and protective packaging businesses. Tiede’s appointment is the most notable of several senior leadership changes recently announced by M. Jack Sanders, Sonoco president and CEO.

“Rob has been a key leader of our efforts to re-envision Sonoco to become a more innovative, consumer solutions-focused business,” says Sanders. “His ability to turn around underperforming businesses, drive innovation to spur organic growth and help build our capabilities through targeted acquisitions has been an important element in executing our grow and optimize strategy.”

Since joining Sonoco in 2004, Tiede has led all of Sonoco’s global consumer-related businesses, including Rigid Paper Containers, Flexible Packaging, Plastics and Display and Packaging. During his tenure, Sonoco’s consumer-related businesses have increased sales by approximately 90 percent and operating profits by 120 percent, as the company’s consumer growth strategy developed broader global packaging and services capabilities.  

Sanders also announced the promotions of Vicki B. Arthur to senior vice president, Plastic Packaging and Protective Solutions; R. Howard Coker to senior vice president, Rigid Paper Containers and Paper/Engineered Carriers International; and Rodger D. Fuller to senior vice president, Paper/Engineered Carriers U.S./Canada and Display and Packaging. Each will report to Tiede.

All appointments will become effective starting January 3, 2017.

Sonoco
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