HARTSVILLE, S.C. -- Sonoco, one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, today announced that Marcy Thompson has been named vice president, marketing and innovation, according to M. Jack Sanders, president and chief executive officer.

In this new position, Thompson, 51, will lead Sonoco's marketing function, including an initiative to develop a focused consumer insights and end-use market strategy to better serve the Company's customers. Thompson reports to Rob Tiede, senior vice president, global Consumer Packaging and Services, and John Colyer, senior vice president, global Industrial Products and Protective Solutions.

Previously, Thompson headed the North American Rigid Paper division since 2011. Group Vice President Howard Coker will temporarily take over the division's day-to-day operations until a successor is named and will maintain responsibilities for the Sonoco's global Rigid Paper, Closures and Plastics businesses. To assist Coker during this interim period, Tiede will assume executive leadership of the Company's global Plastics businesses.

"Our marketing team has already begun a detailed analysis of the consumer insights and end-use markets that are most relevant to our customers' products," said Sanders. "Marcy has first-hand experience working with many of our largest customers, and she will lead a cross-functional team to better align our diverse packaging and services capabilities with our customers' changing needs. In addition, Marcy will work with me in developing processes to improve ideation and innovation, which will be critical for Sonoco's growth and development."

Thompson joined Sonoco in 2006 as division vice president of sales and marketing for the North American Industrial Products Division where she later became division vice president and general manager. Prior to becoming a corporate officer in 2011 and leading Rigid Paper North America, she was division vice president and general manager, Sonoco Recycling, LLC, and division vice president and general manager of the Company's North America Tubes and Cores Division.

Thompson joined Sonoco from General Electric's Commercial Finance business where she was chief marketing officer,Healthcare Financial Services. She previously held several sales, marketing and business leadership positions with General Electric, The Gillette Company and Inland Steel Company. She is a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a B.S. degree in metallurgy, and has earned a Six Sigma Master Black Belt certification.