MeadWestvaco Corp., Richmond, Va., USA, has elected Dr. Robert K. Beckler (top photo) and Robert A. Feeser (lower photo) each to the position of EVP, effective immediately. In his new role, Dr. Beckler will assume global commercial responsibilities, including leadership of the company’s three packaging segments: Food & Beverage; Home, Health & Beauty; and Industrial Packaging. In addition, he will be responsible for MWV’s Specialty Chemicals business, and will continue his oversight of the company’s strategy and business initiatives across Latin America.
"Bob Beckler has been a key leader in MWV’s most successful businesses over the past decade," said John A. Luke Jr., chairman and CEO. "He has implemented and driven an end-market focus in both Specialty Chemicals and MWV Rigesa, shaping global participation strategies that have led to profitable growth. Bob’s strategic vision and energetic leadership in this new role will be a critical factor in the success of our packaging business, including the recently-announced margin improvement actions he will lead over the coming months and beyond."
Feeser will assume global operations responsibilities, including leadership of the company’s paperboard, primary plastics, and folding carton operations around the world, as well as business support services, supply chain, engineering, and safety, health, and environmental functions. He also will continue to lead the company’s strategy and business initiatives across Asia Pacific.
"Bob Feeser is a leader with keen judgment and extensive operational experience," said Luke. "His work at MWV over the past many years has helped position our packaging business for success, especially shaping our participation in global paperboard end markets and improving the productivity of our large mills. Bob’s combination of industry experience, market knowledge, and operating expertise in this new role will help us strengthen performance and improve profitability."
James A. Buzzard, president, will be transitioning from the company following a distinguished career.
Dr. Beckler joined MWV in 1987, and held a variety of roles within the company’s Specialty Chemicals business, culminating in being named president, Specialty Chemicals, in 2007. In 2010, he was named president of MWV Rigesa, MWV’s Brazilian packaging subsidiary and in 2012, he was elected SVP.
Feeser joined MWV in 1987 and has held leadership roles in the company’s paper and paperboard sales and operations organizations. In 2002, he was named corporate VP responsible for integration of the company’s packaging businesses following the merger of Mead and Westvaco, and in 2004 was named president of the paperboard businesses and MWV Rigesa. In 2011, Feeser was named SVP and given responsibility for the company’s largest packaging segment, Food & Beverage.
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