Sonoco appoints Ernest Haynes III as CEO to consolidate its global packaging transformation

A calculated succession at the top of a packaging giant

The board of directors at Sonoco Products Company has officially set the course for its next corporate chapter. Effective December 31, 2026, Ernest D. Haynes III will take over as President and Chief Executive Officer, succeeding R. Howard Coker, who is retiring after a 41-year career with the global packaging manufacturer. The transition marks a critical juncture for the company, coming on the heels of a multi-year portfolio restructuring that has redefined its market footprint.

Coker, who has held the CEO position since 2020, navigated Sonoco through a defining period of transformation. Under his leadership, the company aggressively reshaped its operations through targeted acquisitions and divestitures, focusing heavily on scaled, market-leading consumer and industrial packaging businesses. John R. Haley, Chairman of the Board, emphasized that Coker's tenure successfully integrated major acquisitions and built a stronger balance sheet, leaving the company in a highly competitive position.

The rise of a 30-year industry veteran

The selection of Ernest Haynes III represents a clear preference for deep internal operational experience over external recruitment. Haynes joined Sonoco in 1997 and has spent nearly three decades climbing the ranks across both the consumer and industrial segments. His trajectory provides him with a granular understanding of the company's core manufacturing capabilities and customer base.

Most recently, in August 2026, Haynes was appointed President of Global Consumer Packaging. In this role, he was tasked with integrating the Americas and EMEA/APAC businesses under a single leadership structure. This segment alone represents Sonoco's largest global business, generating approximately $5.2 billion in annual sales and operating 98 facilities across 25 countries with over 11,000 employees. Prior to this, Haynes held pivotal roles including President of Consumer Packaging Americas, President of the Sonoco Metal Packaging Division, and Vice President of Rigid Paper Containers North America.

• Strategic continuity: Haynes' extensive background in rigid paper containers and industrial paper packaging ensures that Sonoco's core material competencies remain a priority.
• Operational scale: Having managed the $5.2 billion consumer segment, Haynes is already accustomed to the logistical and commercial complexities of Sonoco's largest revenue driver.
• Market focus: Haynes has publicly stated that his immediate priorities as CEO will center on sustainable growth, profitability improvement, and efficient capital allocation.

Looking ahead to 2027

The transition period is already underway, with Coker remaining in his current role through the end of 2026 to ensure an orderly handover. For the broader packaging and converting industry, Sonoco's leadership change signals a shift from aggressive portfolio realignment to operational consolidation and value creation. With approximately 22,000 employees worldwide, the company is now positioned to leverage its streamlined structure.

As the packaging sector faces ongoing pressures regarding material sustainability, supply chain efficiency, and shifting consumer demands, Haynes will need to utilize his extensive commercial background to maintain Sonoco's momentum. The seamless internal succession suggests that the board is confident in the current strategic direction, trusting a proven operator to guide the organization into its next phase of global growth.