Sonoco Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Sonoco has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, finance, industrial paper packaging, and consumer packaging.

Driven by innovation, Sonoco designs, develops, and manufactures engineered and sustainable packaging solutions across global markets, impacting industries from paper and textiles to food and construction.

Leadership Roles at Sonoco

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Howard Coker
  • Chief Financial Officer & Interim Principal Accounting Officer - Paul Joachimczyk
  • President of Global Industrial Paper Packaging - James Harrell
  • President, Consumer Packaging (Americas) - Ernest Haynes
  • Chief Information Officer - Rajeev Ankireddypalli
  • Howard Coker - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Howard Coker, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Sonoco, directs the company's overarching strategy and operational execution. Coker guides Sonoco's global business, ensuring alignment with market demands for engineered and sustainable packaging solutions. This leadership encompasses driving innovation in materials like paper, plastic, and foam, and expanding Sonoco's reach across North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Coker's focus involves optimizing the performance of both the Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging segments. He ensures the company's product development directly addresses needs in diverse markets, including paper, textile, film, food, packaging, construction, and wire and cable industries. Under Coker's direction, Sonoco maintains its commitment to delivering high-quality, reliable packaging products that support a wide array of commercial and industrial applications worldwide. Howard Coker actively shapes the company's strategic vision, fostering growth and operational excellence across all business units.
    Howard Coker

    Paul Joachimczyk - Chief Financial Officer & Interim Principal Accounting Officer

    Paul Joachimczyk, the Chief Financial Officer & Interim Principal Accounting Officer at Sonoco, directs the company's financial strategy, reporting, and fiscal management. Joachimczyk oversees all financial operations, ensuring robust accounting practices and transparent financial disclosures across Sonoco's global footprint in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. This leadership role is vital for supporting the financial health of both the Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging segments. Joachimczyk manages capital allocation, investor relations, and risk management, directly contributing to Sonoco's sustained growth and profitability. The Chief Financial Officer & Interim Principal Accounting Officer ensures financial integrity and compliance, supporting Sonoco's market position in diverse sectors including paper, textile, film, food, and construction. Paul Joachimczyk's expertise guides strategic financial decisions, reinforcing Sonoco's commitment to shareholder value and operational stability.
    Paul Joachimczyk

    James Harrell - President of Global Industrial Paper Packaging

    James Harrell, the President of Global Industrial Paper Packaging at Sonoco, leads the strategic direction and operational performance of the company's industrial paper packaging division worldwide. Harrell oversees the design, manufacturing, and distribution of paperboard tubes, cones, cores, and protective packaging products across North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. This leadership ensures Sonoco's industrial segment effectively serves key markets such as paper, textile, film, and wire and cable. Harrell focuses on driving innovation in paper-based solutions and optimizing supply chain efficiencies to meet global customer demands. The President of Global Industrial Paper Packaging is instrumental in maintaining Sonoco's reputation for quality and reliability in industrial paper products. James Harrell's management ensures the continued success and market leadership of Sonoco's industrial paper packaging operations.
    James Harrell

    Ernest Haynes - President, Consumer Packaging (Americas)

    Ernest Haynes, the President, Consumer Packaging (Americas) at Sonoco, directs the strategy and operations for the company's consumer packaging business across North and South America. Haynes oversees the production and innovation of round and shaped rigid paper, steel, and plastic containers, as well as metal and peelable membrane ends, closures, and components. This leadership ensures Sonoco's consumer packaging solutions effectively meet the needs of the food, packaging, and other consumer goods markets. Haynes focuses on enhancing product offerings, including thermoformed plastic trays and high-barrier flexible packaging, driving market share and customer satisfaction. The President, Consumer Packaging (Americas) is key to developing and implementing growth strategies within the Americas region. Ernest Haynes's management ensures Sonoco's consumer packaging division remains a leader in delivering innovative and sustainable packaging solutions.
    Ernest Haynes

    Rajeev Ankireddypalli - Chief Information Officer

    Rajeev Ankireddypalli, the Chief Information Officer at Sonoco, architects the company's technology infrastructure and digital transformation initiatives. Ankireddypalli oversees the integration of advanced IT systems to support Sonoco's global manufacturing and distribution network, spanning North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. This role is critical for enhancing operational efficiency across the Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging segments. Ankireddypalli drives the implementation of solutions that improve data analytics, cybersecurity, and enterprise resource planning, directly impacting Sonoco's ability to innovate and deliver sustainable packaging products. The Chief Information Officer ensures technology investments align with business objectives, supporting Sonoco's market presence in industries such as paper, textile, film, food, and construction. Rajeev Ankireddypalli's leadership ensures Sonoco maintains a competitive edge through robust and scalable technological frameworks.
    Rajeev Ankireddypalli

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Sonoco Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Sonoco?
    Sonoco is led by Howard Coker (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Paul Joachimczyk (Chief Financial Officer & Interim Principal Accounting Officer) and James Harrell (President of Global Industrial Paper Packaging).
    Who is part of Sonoco’s executive team?
    The executive team of Sonoco includes leaders such as Howard Coker (President & Chief Executive Officer), Paul Joachimczyk (Chief Financial Officer & Interim Principal Accounting Officer), James Harrell (President of Global Industrial Paper Packaging) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Sonoco have?
    Sonoco has 5 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Sonoco’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Sonoco includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer & Interim Principal Accounting Officer, President of Global Industrial Paper Packaging, President, Consumer Packaging (Americas), Chief Information Officer.