Sonoco Announces Retirement of Chief Operating Officer Rodger Fuller
Sonoco Products Company, a prominent global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, has officially announced that Chief Operating Officer Rodger Fuller will retire from his position effective February 28, 2026. This decision marks the conclusion of an impressive 40-year career with the company, during which Fuller ascended through various leadership roles to become a key executive.
A Distinguished Career Spanning Four Decades
Rodger Fuller's journey with Sonoco began in 1985 when he joined as a customer service representative. Over the years, he demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities, progressing through numerous senior positions. Before assuming the role of Chief Operating Officer in 2020, Fuller served as Executive Vice President of Global Operations, Senior Vice President of Global Consumer Packaging, Display and Packaging and Protective Solutions, and held other significant leadership roles across North America and Europe.
In his capacity as COO, Fuller was responsible for overseeing Sonoco's global consumer and industrial operations, diversified businesses, and Information Technology functions. More recently, he stepped in as Interim CEO of Sonoco's Metal Packaging EMEA business through the end of 2025, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the company's success.
Leadership Transition and Organizational Changes
Sonoco has revealed that it does not intend to appoint a direct successor to the Chief Operating Officer position. Instead, the presidents of each business unit within the company will now report directly to Howard Coker, President and CEO of Sonoco. This organizational restructuring reflects a strategic shift in how the company will manage its operations moving forward.
Howard Coker expressed profound appreciation for Fuller's contributions, stating: "Rodger is an exceptional business operator and widely respected leader in the paper and packaging industry. He has always been willing to take on new challenges and drive for improved operational and financial performance for our company. I want to express our deepest gratitude to Rodger for his extraordinary leadership and unwavering commitment to Sonoco over the past four decades and we wish him well in his next chapter."
Fuller's Reflections and Industry Impact
Reflecting on his tenure, Rodger Fuller remarked: "It's been my honor to work alongside so many talented people at Sonoco and participate in the extraordinary progress we have achieved during my tenure in transforming the company into a global leader in consumer and industrial metal and paper packaging."
Beyond his corporate responsibilities, Fuller has been actively involved in numerous industry and community organizations throughout his career. His board service includes the Sonoco Foundation, The Paper and Packaging Board, the American Forest & Paper Association, the Hartsville United Way Board, and the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics Foundation. He has also been active with the American Heart Association, demonstrating his commitment to both professional and community leadership.
Educational Background and Company Overview
Rodger Fuller holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Berry College in Rome, Georgia, and an MBA from Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. His educational foundation has supported his extensive career in business leadership.
Sonoco, founded in 1899, has grown into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise with approximately 22,500 employees working across 260 operations in 40 countries. The company serves some of the world's most recognized brands and has been recognized for its corporate responsibility, including being named one of America's Most Admired and Responsible Companies by Newsweek and appearing on USA TODAY's list of America's Climate Leaders in 2025.
Guided by its purpose of Better Packaging. Better Life., Sonoco continues to foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence while providing sustainable packaging solutions that serve stakeholders and support environmental sustainability.
