Sonoco, Hartsville, S.C., USA, one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, has named John Florence its corporate VP, general counsel, and Secretary. In this new position, Florence reports to Sonoco President and CEO Jack Sanders.

Florence's promotion comes upon the retirement of Ritchie L. Bond, Sonoco's previous VP, treasurer, and corporate secretary. In addition to managing legal work for the company, Florence will now manage Sonoco's corporate secretary and governance function.

"John has worked with Sonoco for more than a decade, first at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd and recently as our corporate attorney," said Sanders. "His legal expertise and advice are invaluable, and he is an important member of our management team."

Prior to this promotion, Florence has been the company's corporate attorney since August 2015. He previously worked as an attorney at Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd P.A. in Columbia, S.C., where he handled legal work for Sonoco and other clients. He holds an MBA from the University of South Carolina (2010), a JD from Samford University (2004), and a B.A. in English from Presbyterian College (2001).

Florence and his wife, Jeanette, live in Columbia with their three children. Florence is a member of the American Bar Association, South Carolina Bar Association, Richland County Bar Association, and the Association of Corporate Counsel. 

   

Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a global provider of a variety of consumer packaging, industrial products, protective packaging, and displays and packaging supply chain services. With annualized net sales of approximately $5 billion, the company has 21,000 employees working in more than 330 operations in 34 countries. More information about the company is available online.