Wedoany.com Report-Dec.12, Sealed Air Corporation, a leading U.S.-based packaging manufacturer, has appointed Russell Grissett as its global president for the food sector. This leadership change comes at a pivotal time for the company, which specializes in innovative solutions for food preservation and distribution.

Before joining Toppan, Grissett spent more than three decades at Sonoco in a range of senior posts.

Grissett brings extensive industry expertise to his new role. He most recently served as president and CEO of Toppan Packaging Americas, where he oversaw the strategic separation and seamless integration of Sonoco's flexible packaging operations. This followed Toppan's acquisition of the business for $1.8 billion, a move that streamlined operations and enhanced market positioning in sustainable packaging.

Prior to Toppan, Grissett dedicated over 30 years to Sonoco, holding key senior roles across general management, sales, marketing, and manufacturing. His responsibilities there encompassed leadership in global thermoformed and flexible packaging divisions, including a stint as president of those units and vice president of flexibles. This deep operational background has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of supply chain dynamics and product innovation in the packaging field.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Grissett holds influential positions in professional circles. He currently serves as executive chair of the Flexible Packaging Association, advocating for advancements in eco-friendly materials and processes. Additionally, he contributes to education and talent development as a member of Auburn University's Industrial Engineering Alumni Council, fostering connections between academia and industry.

Sealed Air highlighted Grissett's strengths in an official LinkedIn announcement: "customer focus, operational rigour and hands-on leadership style will be key as we accelerate growth and strengthen our food business globally."

This appointment aligns with broader strategic shifts at Sealed Air. In November 2025, the company finalized an agreement to be acquired by investment funds managed by Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R), a prominent private equity firm. The all-cash transaction values Sealed Air at $10.3 billion and has received full endorsement from the company's board of directors. The deal is slated for completion in the middle of 2026, after which Sealed Air will transition to private ownership. It will maintain its corporate headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, and step away from public trading on the New York Stock Exchange, allowing for more focused long-term investments.

Complementing these developments, Sealed Air continues to prioritize technological innovation. In September 2025, the firm unveiled the AUTOBAG 850HB, a versatile hybrid bagging machine designed for automated packaging. This system stands out for its ability to handle both conventional poly mailers and curbside-recyclable paper bags on a single platform, enabling fulfillment operations to adapt materials swiftly without sacrificing efficiency or throughput.

Grissett's arrival is expected to bolster Sealed Air's competitive edge in the food packaging market, where sustainability and operational agility are increasingly vital. As the company navigates its upcoming ownership transition, his proven track record in mergers, global expansion, and customer-centric strategies positions it well for sustained progress. Stakeholders anticipate that under his guidance, Sealed Air will further refine its portfolio to meet evolving demands in food safety, waste reduction, and supply chain resilience.