Sonoco (sonoco.com), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, announces it has been named to the 2014 list of North American Top Companies for Leaders^® by Aon Hewitt, the global talent, retirement and health solutions company of Aon (aon.com).  Sonoco was No. 12(out of 25) on the 2014 North America list and No. 21 (out of 25) on the Global Aon Hewitt Top Companies for Leaders list.This is the fifth time that Sonoco has earned this prestigious recognition.

Conducted since 2001, the Aon Hewitt Top Companies for Leaders study is a comprehensive, longitudinal analysis of talent management and leadership practices of organizations around the world. This year's winners were selected and ranked by an expert panel of independent judges based on a number of criteria, including strength of leadership practices and culture, examples of leader development on a global scale, alignment of business and leadership strategy, company reputation, business and financial performance.

“Sonoco is very proud to be recognized to the list of Aon HewittTop Companiesfor Leaders for a fifthtime and to be the only packaging company on this year’s list,” saysSonoco president and CEO, Jack Sanders. “People who are familiar with Sonoco know we have a 115 year history and culture that values employees. We understand the power of people and have a well known saying internally that ‘People Build Businesses.’ We know that our positive culture, combined with leadership processes and systems, ensure we have talented, engaged and aligned people. That differentiator enables us to have a competitive advantage in the marketplace.”

 “In today’s complex and unpredictable business landscape, Top Companies for Leaders are passionate about cultivating resilient and engaging leaders who take the time to know and develop their talent and understand what experiences they need to rise above the rest,” says Pete Sanborn, co-president Global Compensation and Talent. “We congratulate Sonoco on being among a select group of organizations that excel at building and growing a strong leadership environment.”