The Board of Directors of Berry Plastics Group has unanimously elected Thomas Salmon as its president and COO, effective October 3. In this role, Salmon will be responsible for the company’s operating businesses, operations, supply chain and procurement efforts. Salmon serves as president of the company’s consumer packaging division.

Current chairman and CEO Jon Rich has announced his intention to retire from his role as CEO in February 2017. Upon his retirement, Rich will continue to serve as executive chairman of the board.

“The creation of the president and COO role is the next step in our ongoing succession process. Tom’s background, experience and track record of success leading multiple Berry divisions throughout his career with the company make him eminently qualified to take on this important leadership role,” says Rich. “Berry is well positioned to continue the success we have achieved since our IPO in 2012. The company has a strong leadership team and the time is right for the next generation to take Berry into the future. I look forward to continuing my role with the company as executive chairman.”

Salmon joined the company in 2007 with Berry’s acquisition of Covalence Specialty Materials where he had led the adhesives division for four years. From 2007-14, he served as president of Berry’s engineered materials division, prior to being appointed president of Berry’s Rigid Closed Top Division in 2014 and its consumer packaging division in 2015. Before joining Covalence, Salmon was general manager of Honeywell Plastics and global sales director for Allied Signal’s Engineering Plastics and Films. He began his career with General Electric and held a variety of commercial positions during his 12 years in GE’s Plastics and Lighting divisions.

Rich has been the company’s chairman and CEO since October 2010.