US packaging manufacturer Sealed Air has named Russell Grissett as global food president. 

Grissett moves to Sealed Air from Toppan Packaging Americas, where he was president and CEO and led the separation and integration of Sonoco’s flexible packaging operations following Toppan’s $1.8bn purchase of the business. 

Before joining Toppan, Grissett spent more than three decades at Sonoco in senior posts spanning general management, sales, marketing and manufacturing.  

His positions there included president of global thermoformed and flexibles, and vice-president of flexibles. 

Grissett is also executive chair of the Flexible Packaging Association and sits on Auburn University’s Industrial Engineering Alumni Council. 

In a LinkedIn post, Sealed Air stated that Grissett’s “customer focus, operational rigour and hands-on leadership style will be key as we accelerate growth and strengthen our food business globally.” 

In November 2025, Sealed Air reached a deal for acquisition by funds affiliated with private equity company Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) in an all-cash transaction valuing the packaging materials company at $10.3bn.   

The deal, approved by Sealed Air’s board, is expected to close in mid-2026.  

Sealed Air will become privately held post-acquisition, retain its headquarters in Charlotte, North Carolina, and be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange.  

In September 2025, Sealed Air introduced the AUTOBAG 850HB hybrid bagging machine, an automated packaging system that can process both standard poly mailers and kerbside-recyclable paper bags on the same machine. 

The new system’s hybrid ability helps fulfilment teams to switch packaging types without compromising speed.