Sonoco is reorganising the management of its global consumer packaging business. The previously regionally managed operations are being brought together under a unified leadership structure. Ernest Haynes is taking over responsibility as President Global Consumer Packaging for the packaging manufacturer's largest division, which has an annual turnover of around 5.2 billion US dollars.
The new organisation comprises Sonoco's metal and paper can business, as well as closures and components. According to the company, the merger is intended to improve cooperation between the previously regionally organised units and, amongst other things, to more closely integrate technology, supply chains, research and development. In his new role, Haynes will report directly to Sonoco President and CEO Howard Coker.
98 locations in 25 countries
According to Sonoco, the Global Consumer Packaging division generates an annual revenue of approximately 5.2 billion US dollars. It comprises 98 sites in 25 countries with a total of 11,250 employees. This means Haynes will in future be responsible for the company's largest global division.
„As a leading provider of metal and paper cans, closures and components, we are taking the next step to align our global consumer packaging business with our products, our customers and our employees.“
Sonoco President and CEO Howard Coker
With Haynes, a manager with almost 30 years of experience in operational and commercial leadership positions at Sonoco is taking over the management. According to Coker, the new structure is intended to combine the strengths of the businesses in the Americas as well as EMEA and APAC.
Haynes has been with Sonoco since 1997 and has held various leadership positions in the consumer and industrial segments. Most recently, he headed the consumer business in the Americas. Following the acquisition of Ball Metalpack in 2022, he was also President of Metal Packaging North America. Prior to that, his responsibilities included the North American rigid paper containers business, amongst others.
„I am delighted at the opportunity to further expand our strong metal and paper can business worldwide,“ said Haynes. The new structure simplifies the operating model and increases its efficiency, enabling teams to work together better, develop innovations, and grow.
Sean Cairns is leaving Sonoco
The management of the Industrial Paper Packaging segment is unaffected by the reorganisation. This will continue to be headed by James Harrell as President. At the same time, Sean Cairns, previously President Sonoco EMEA/APAC, is leaving the company. Cairns worked for Sonoco for 17 years and has a total of 30 years' experience in the packaging industry.
Sonoco achieved net sales of 7.5 billion US dollars from continuing operations in 2025. According to the company, it employs around 22,000 people across 263 locations in 37 countries and produces consumer and industrial packaging made from metal and paper.
Source: Sonoco
