Sealed Air names Russell Grissett as global food president 

USA – Sealed Air, a major US-based packaging manufacturer, has appointed Russell Grissett as its new global food president. Grissett joins from Toppan Packaging Americas, where he held the role of president and CEO. 

In that position, he managed the separation and integration of Sonoco’s flexible packaging operations after Toppan acquired the business for US$1.8 billion.

Prior to Toppan, Grissett worked at Sonoco for over three decades in various senior roles covering general management, sales, marketing, and manufacturing.

His past titles included president of global thermoformed and flexibles, as well as vice-president of flexibles. 

Grissett currently serves as executive chair of the Flexible Packaging Association and is a member of Auburn University’s Industrial Engineering Alumni Council.

According to a company statement on LinkedIn, Grissett’s customer focus, operational rigor, and hands-on leadership style will play a key role as Sealed Air works to accelerate growth in its global food business.

The leadership change comes shortly after Sealed Air agreed in November 2025 to an acquisition by funds affiliated with private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) in an all-cash deal valued at US$10.3 billion. 

The transaction, approved by Sealed Air’s board, is set to close in mid-2026. 

Following completion, the company will operate as a private entity, keep its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, and delist from the New York Stock Exchange.

A report highlighted that Henry R. Keizer, chairman of Sealed Air’s board, described the acquisition as providing significant value and immediate certainty to stockholders while supporting long-term plans. 

Dustin Semach, Sealed Air’s president and chief executive officer, added that the partnership with CD&R will enable greater investments in food and protective packaging.

In a separate development earlier in 2025, Sealed Air launched the AUTOBAG 850HB hybrid bagging machine in September. 

This automated system processes both standard poly mailers and kerbside-recyclable paper bags on the same equipment. 

The hybrid design allows fulfilment operations to switch between packaging materials without reducing speed, helping teams address demands for more sustainable options alongside efficiency needs.

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