Sonoco Products Company, a leading entity in high-value metal and paper packaging for both consumer and industrial sectors, has announced a strategic restructuring of its Global Consumer Packaging operations. This initiative will place all businesses in this segment under a unified leadership framework, with oversight by Ernest Haynes, the newly appointed President of Global Consumer Packaging.
Howard Coker, Sonoco’s President and Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the importance of this realignment: “As market leaders in metal and paper cans, closures, and components, we are streamlining our Global Consumer Packaging divisions to focus on our products, customers, and workforce.” Coker expressed his confidence in Haynes’ capabilities, noting his nearly three decades of leadership experience within the company. This new structure aims to harness the combined strengths of their Americas and EMEA/APAC operations, optimizing technology, supply chain management, and research and development to adapt to the evolving demands of global customers.
In his role, Haynes will manage Sonoco’s largest global division, which generates approximately $5.2 billion in annual revenue. This segment boasts 98 facilities across 25 nations and employs 11,250 individuals dedicated to serving some of the most recognizable consumer brands worldwide.
“I am eager to enhance our already strong metal and paper can businesses globally,” Haynes remarked. “This new organizational model will streamline our operations, fostering improved collaboration, innovation, and growth. I am committed to cultivating a culture of innovation while ensuring top-tier manufacturing, quality, and technical support for our brands internationally. Our team, coupled with our unwavering commitment to exceptional customer service, positions us well for enhanced performance and future expansion.”
Since joining Sonoco in 1997, Haynes has occupied several key leadership positions within both its Consumer and Industrial segments. His most recent role was as President of the Consumer, Americas business, and prior to that, he served as President of Metal Packaging North America, following the acquisition of Ball Metalpack in 2022. He also held the position of Division Vice President and General Manager for Rigid Paper Containers, North America, from 2018 to 2021, and previously managed operations for Tubes and Cores in the U.S. and Canada.
Haynes completed the Executive General Management Program at the Wharton School and earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from Clemson University. He is dedicated to community engagement and currently serves on the Clemson University Foundation Board. Additionally, he is a lifetime member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Sonoco’s Industrial Paper Packaging segment will continue under the guidance of James Harrell, while Sean Cairns, the President of Sonoco EMEA/APAC, will depart the company after 17 years and three decades in the packaging sector.
Coker stated, “I want to express my gratitude to Sean for his leadership and commitment to Sonoco over the years. We wish him the very best in his future pursuits.”
For further details about the company, please visit www.sonoco.com.