Graphic Packaging appoints CEO and announces cost cutting measures
US-based Graphic Packaging has named Robbert Rietbroek as its next president and CEO with effect from 1 January 2026.
He will also join the company’s board as a director on the same date.
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Rietbroek succeeds Michael P Doss who has led the packaging company since 2016.
Doss stated: “Leading the talented Graphic Packaging team over the past decade has been a privilege and the highlight of my career. Along with the board, I am confident that Robbert is the right person to step into the CEO role to build on the exceptionally strong foundation we have put in place, and to take Graphic Packaging to the next level.”
Rietbroek was previously the inaugural CEO and director of Primo Brands Corporation, a publicly listed bottled water company in North America.
Before that, he was CEO of Primo Water Corporation, where he oversaw its merger with BlueTriton Brands, resulting in the formation of Primo Brands in November 2024.
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By GlobalDataHis earlier career includes senior leadership positions at PepsiCo, Kimberly-Clark and Procter & Gamble, with responsibilities across North America, Europe, South America and Australia.
Robbert Rietbroek added: “I have long admired Graphic Packaging for its sustainable packaging solutions and am honoured to join at such a pivotal moment in its journey. Graphic Packaging has the right assets, team and capabilities to execute on its Vision 2030 priorities, and I am eager to lead the company into our next phase.”
Alongside the leadership announcement, the company released details on its support function and production optimisation plans, and the outlook for the 2025 financial year.
Graphic Packaging now expects $60m in staffing and other cost cuts in 2026, with related severance, one-time and non-cash charges estimated at approximately $20m.
The company has accelerated inventory reduction measures in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2025, following the early start-up of its recycled paperboard manufacturing facility in Waco, Texas.
Production curtailments linked to these actions are expected to affect Q4 operating results by $15m, in addition to the $15m impact previously disclosed during the Q3 earnings call.
For the full year 2025, Graphic Packaging is forecasting net sales in the range of $8.4bn to $8.6bn.
Adjusted earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation is expected to be between $1.38bn and $1.43bn, while adjusted earnings per share are projected at $1.75 to $1.95.
The company has reaffirmed its free cash flow target of $700m to $800m for 2026.
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