Sonoco COO Rodger Fuller to Retire, Eliminating Role in Restructuring
Event summary
- Rodger Fuller, Sonoco’s COO since 2020, will retire on February 28, 2026, after a 40-year career.
- Sonoco will not replace the COO role; business unit presidents will now report directly to CEO Howard Coker.
- Fuller previously served as Interim CEO of Sonoco’s Metal Packaging EMEA business through 2025.
- Sonoco operates 260 facilities across 40 countries with approximately 22,500 employees.
The big picture
Sonoco’s decision to eliminate the COO role signals a shift toward decentralized leadership, aligning with broader industry trends toward flatter organizational structures. The move comes as the packaging sector faces increasing pressure to balance sustainability with operational efficiency. With $5 billion in annual revenue and a vast global footprint, Sonoco’s ability to execute this restructuring will be closely watched by investors and competitors alike.
What we're watching
- Operational Integration
- How the elimination of the COO role will impact Sonoco’s global consumer and industrial operations.
- Leadership Continuity
- Whether Howard Coker can effectively manage direct reports from all business units without a COO.
- Strategic Execution
- The pace at which Sonoco can maintain its transformation into a global leader in sustainable packaging.
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