Sunoco names new execs for global packaging division

On March 19, Sonoco, one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, announced management promotions in the Company’s Global Consumer Packaging operations, according to Charles Sullivan, executive vice president, Global Consumer Packaging and Packaging Services.  Rodger D. Fuller, 46, has been named vice president, Global Rigid Paper and Closures, and will have responsibility for Sonoco’s global rigid paper, ends and closures, and certain rigid plastic container operations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia. The promotion is effective immediately and he continues to report to Sullivan.

“Rodger has extensive operating experience with our global consumer packaging businesses and has led the development of significant advancements that have grown sales of composite cans, and other rigid paper and plastic containers in North America,” said Sullivan. “In this new position, he is being tasked with further growing Sonoco’s leading rigid paper container capabilities in North America and Europe while developing new opportunities in emerging markets in South America and Asia.”

Prior to this promotion, Fuller was vice president, Rigid Paper and Plastics—North America, Sonoco’s largest consumer packaging business. He joined Sonoco in 1985 and has held a number of positions, including division vice president, Consumer Products—Europe; president, Sonoco Limited, Canada; and manufacturing manager, Consumer Products—North America. Fuller graduated from Berry College, Rome, Georgia, in 1983 with a B.S. degree in business administration and received an MBA from Emory University in 1985.

R. Howard Coker, 45, has been named division vice president and general manager, Rigid Paper and Closures—North America, reporting to Fuller. In this position, Coker will have responsibility for Sonoco’s rigid paper container, and metal and peelable membrane convenience closure operations in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Howard’s broad experience in sales, marketing and operations to step in and further enhance our North American rigid paper container and closures businesses,” said Fuller.

Prior to his most recent assignment, Coker was division vice president and general manger, Sonoco Phoenix, the Company’s ends and closures unit. Coker joined Sonoco in 1985 and previously served as director of sales, Rigid Paper and Plastics—North America, and general manager-Asia/Pacific, Rigid Paper and Plastics division.

Coker is a 1985 graduate of Wofford College, Spartanburg, S.C., with a B.A. degree in business administration and received an M.A. degree in business administration from Wake Forest University in 1990.

About Sonoco

Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a $4.0 billion global manufacturer of industrial and consumer products and provider of packaging services, with more than 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in some 85 nations. For more information on the Company, visit our Web site at http://www.sonoco.com/.