ATLANTA — WestRock has named David B. Sewell as its new president and chief operating officer.
Sewell will replace Steven V. Voorhees, who will be stepping down March 15, due to health reasons.
Sewell, 52, has more than 25 years of commercial, marketing and general management experience. He will come to WestRock from Sherwin-Williams Co.
Prior to joining Sherwin-Williams, Sewell spent 15 years at General Electric Co. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Southern California.
“Our decision to elect David as CEO is the result of a robust succession planning process, and he is the right choice to lead our company into the future,” said John A. Luke Jr., chairman of WestRock’s board of directors.
“David is a proven executive with a strong record of driving profitable growth, both organic and acquisitive and building organizational capability that develops and nurtures excellent leadership and talent while driving a culture of equity and inclusion,” Luke said.
Sewell said, “It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve as WestRock’s CEO, and I thank the board for its confidence in me. I am excited about joining WestRock and look forward to working with this talented leadership team and outstanding organization to build on the company’s strategic success and together realize the opportunities ahead for our customers, team members and stockholders.”
Luke cited Voorhees for his leadership of the company.
“Steve Voorhees has served WestRock with great dedication and distinction since its formation in 2015,” Luke said.
“Under his leadership, the company has grown to $17.6 billion in sales through the execution of a growth strategy that has included the merger with MeadWestvaco, several strategic acquisitions and significant capital investments,” Luke said.
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