Sonoco COO Rodger Fuller Announces Retirement After 40 Years of Leadership
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Jan 20 2026
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Source: Globenewswire
- Executive Retirement: Sonoco's Chief Operating Officer Rodger Fuller has announced his retirement effective February 28, 2026, concluding a 40-year career with the company, marking a significant leadership transition.
- Leadership Change: Since becoming COO in 2020, Fuller has overseen global consumer and industrial operations, and moving forward, the presidents of each business unit will report directly to current President and CEO Howard Coker, which may impact operational efficiency.
- Industry Contributions: During his tenure, Fuller has driven Sonoco's transformation in the metal and paper packaging sectors, enhancing the company's market position and demonstrating his influence and leadership within the industry.
- Community Engagement: Fuller has been actively involved in various industry and community organizations, including the Sonoco Foundation and the American Forest & Paper Association, reflecting his commitment to social responsibility, which could positively impact the company's image and brand value.
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Analyst Views on SON
Wall Street analysts forecast SON stock price to rise over the next 12 months. According to Wall Street analysts, the average 1-year price target for SON is 52.71 USD with a low forecast of 47.00 USD and a high forecast of 60.00 USD. However, analyst price targets are subjective and often lag stock prices, so investors should focus on the objective reasons behind analyst rating changes, which better reflect the company's fundamentals.
9 Analyst Rating
4 Buy
5 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 47.460
Low
47.00
Averages
52.71
High
60.00
Current: 47.460
Low
47.00
Averages
52.71
High
60.00
About SON
Sonoco Products Company is a global designer, developer, and manufacturer of a variety of highly engineered and sustainable packaging serving multiple end markets. Its segments include Consumer Packaging and Industrial Paper Packaging. Products within the Consumer Packaging segment consist of rigid packaging (paper, metal, and plastic), primarily serving the consumer staples market focused on food, beverage, household, personal, and pharmaceutical products. Its rigid paper containers are manufactured from 100% recycled paperboard provided primarily from Sonoco global paper operations. These paper products are primarily used in the food and beverage markets. Products within the Industrial Paper Packaging segment consist primarily of goods produced from recycled fiber including paperboard tubes, cores, cones and cans; partitions; paper-based protective materials, and uncoated recycled paperboard for high-end applications such as folding cartons, can board, and laminated structures.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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Sonoco COO Rodger Fuller to Retire in 2026 After 40-Year Career
- Executive Retirement: Sonoco Products Company announced that COO Rodger Fuller will retire on February 28, 2026, concluding a 40-year career with the company, marking a significant leadership transition.
- Leadership Restructuring: Fuller has served as COO since 2020 and acted as interim CEO of the Metal Packaging EMEA business until the end of 2025; after his retirement, the company will not appoint a new COO, with business unit presidents reporting directly to President and CEO Howard Coker.
- Stock Price Reaction: Sonoco's shares fell by 2.07% following the announcement, reflecting market concerns regarding the uncertainties and potential impacts of the executive transition.
- Future Outlook: Despite the executive changes raising market concerns, analysts remain optimistic about Sonoco's long-term prospects, anticipating a rebound in containerboard in 2026, which could present new growth opportunities for the company.
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