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WestRock welcomes new president and CEO as Steve Voorhees steps down

WestRock welcomed a new president and chief executive officer today as Steven C. Voorhees steps down from his position as president, CEO and director of the company for health reasons.

David Sewell. Photo: Business Wire

David B. Sewell succeeds Voorhees as WestRock’s president and chief executive officer, and has been appointed to the board of directors. Voorhees is available to ensure a smooth transition.

“Thanks to the hard work and dedication of a team that is second to none, WestRock is better positioned than ever to support its customers and achieve its goals, and I am proud to have been part of what we have built together,” says Voorhees in a statement.

“I am happy and comfortable to be leaving WestRock in good capable hands. I look forward to addressing my immediate health needs and investing more time with my family and personal interests. I have every confidence in David, WestRock’s leadership team, our teammates and the board to continue creating value for all of our stakeholders.”

Sewell brings with him more than 25 years of commercial, marketing and general management experience. He joins WestRock from The Sherwin-Williams Company, the manufacturer and distributor of paint, coatings and related products, where he most recently served as president and chief operating officer responsible for global operating segments that generated $18.4 billion in sales.

Prior to joining Sherwin-Williams, Sewell spent 15 years at General Electric Company. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Southern California.

“Our decision to elect David as CEO is the result of a robust succession planning process, and he is the right choice to lead our company into the future,” says John A. Luke, Jr., chairman of WestRock’s board of directors.

“David is a proven executive with a strong record of driving profitable growth, both organic and acquisitive, and building organizational capability that develops and nurtures excellent leadership and talent while driving a culture of equity and inclusion. The board and I look forward to working closely with David and WestRock’s leadership team as the company delivers on our strategy and generates strong returns for investors.

“Steve Voorhees has served WestRock with great dedication and distinction since its formation in 2015,” says Luke. “Under his leadership, the company has grown to $17.6 billion in sales through the execution of a growth strategy that has included the merger with MeadWestvaco, several strategic acquisitions and significant capital investments.

“He has had a lasting impact on our business strategy and the development of our values-driven culture. As a leader, and as a person, Steve is admired by the entire WestRock team, and the board wishes him and his family the very best.”