Global packaging company Amcor has announced the hiring of two senior executives to help drive growth within the business.
Ryan Yost has been named division president of global flexible packaging solutions, while Kate Pearlman has been recruited as senior vice-president for investor relations and treasury.
Both positions are US-based.
Yost, who has 25 years’ leadership experience, succeeds Fred Stephan, who is retiring.
In his new role, the former president of Avery Dennison’s $6 billion Materials group will be responsible for building Amcor’s leadership positions in end-markets, including healthcare, protein, pet food, liquids, beauty and personal care, and foodservice.
Prior to his presidency at Avery Dennison, Yost held various senior leadership roles spanning commercial, operations, supply chain, and materials science responsibilities.
Risk-management leadership
Pearlman, who has more than 20 years’ experience in investor relations, global treasury and risk-management leadership at Fortune 200 companies, joins Amcor from retail company Lowe’s, where she served as vice-president of investor relations and treasurer.
In her new role, Pearlman will report into Stephen Scherger, executive vice-president and chief financial officer.
She will be responsible for Amcor’s treasury operations, lead Amcor’s global investor relations, and strengthen alignment across capital market management, value creation, and shareholder engagement, the company said.
Pearlman succeeds Tracey Whitehead, who has chosen to remain in Australia and pursue opportunities there.
“Fred and Tracey have each made a lasting impact on Amcor, and I thank them for their outstanding leadership, partnership and unwavering commitment to the company,” said Amcor chief executive Peter Konieczny.
“Fred has been instrumental in strengthening our global flexibles business and positioning the business for continued strong performance, while Tracey has served as a highly respected and trusted leader in our engagement with the investment community.”
Leaders with proven track records
Konieczny described Yost and Pearlman as exceptional leaders with proven track records of driving growth, building high-performing teams and translating strategy into results across large, global organisations.
“I am highly confident in Amcor’s business, strategy and ability to deliver for our customers and shareholders,” he added.
Ryan and Kate bring the right expertise to help us build momentum, and we’re excited to welcome them as we position Amcor for its next phase of growth.”
Both Scherger and Whitehead will remain with Amcor as advisors until 31 December 2026, to ensure a smooth transition, Amcor said.
Recently, Jean-Marc Galvez, Amcor’s chief operating officer for global rigids, was named as the new president of trade body European Plastics Converters.
Yost has been replaced at Avery Dennison by Danny Allouche, who has held several leadership roles at the company over the past 16 years.
Since 2016, he has been in charge of global strategy, corporate portfolio and development activities, most recently having served as senior vice-president and chief strategy and corporate development officer.
