UK – International packaging and paper company Mondi Group has announced that its CEO David Hathorn is retiring, and that Peter Oswald will be appointed as group CEO.

Hathorn, 53, took up the position in 2007, and holds more than 24 years’ experience in the paper and packaging sector.

His successor Oswald currently holds the position of executive director and CEO of the Europe & international division, and has held it for the last 9 years.

He began his career with Deutsche Bank and automotive firm KTM, and became chief executive of Mondi Packaging Europe in 2002.

In 2013, Oswald was named European and Global CEO of the Year by information provider RISI, a leader in the forest products sector.

He will remain based in Vienna.

The two executives will work together over the next three months to ensure a smooth transition, and then Oswald will assume the top position after the annual general meeting on 11 May.

He commented on his retirement and successor: “It has been a great privilege to have worked for the Mondi Group over the past 26 years, being involved in its development from a regional business to a truly international group delivering industry leading returns.

“It gives me great confidence in the future success of the business to be able to hand over to Peter, who has been alongside me for much of this journey. I wish Peter and the team all the very best.”

The Mondi Group currently has a staff of 25,000 people throughout 30 countries. In 2015, it posted revenues of €6.8 billion ($7.35b).

February 1, 2017; http://www.esmmagazine.com/mondi-group-packaging-firm-names-new-group-ceo/38023