Dec 13, 2005. /Lesprom Network/. R. Howard Coker, formerly division vice president-sales and marketing, Rigid Paper and Plastics - North America, has been promoted to division vice president and general manager - Sonoco Phoenix, effective January 1, 2006, it was announced on Monday by Charles L. Sullivan, executive vice president. Mr. Coker, 43, joined Sonoco in 1985 and has served in a variety of sales, manufacturing and management positions. Prior to his most recent assignments, he served as director of sales, Rigid Paper and Plastics - North America, after having served as general manager - Asia/Pacific, Rigid Paper and Plastics division. Mr. Coker is a 1985 graduate of Wofford College with a B.A. degree in business administration and received an M.A. degree in business administration from Wake Forest University in 1990. "We are delighted that Howard will be bringing his broad sales, operating and international experience to Sonoco's metal and plastic ends and closures business that operates not only in North America but in Brazil, as well, where it exports and serves the domestic Brazilian market," said Mr. Sullivan. "Previously, Sonoco Phoenix reported to Rodger Fuller, vice president, Rigid Paper and Plastics - North America. This change in responsibility will permit Rodger the necessary time to direct the renewed growth in Sonoco's rigid paper packaging, the company's largest consumer business, as well as lead the growing presence of rigid plastic packaging in our portfolio of products and services providing total solutions to the packaging supply chain needs of consumer product companies. We are fortunate to have someone with Howard's experience capable of continuing to drive and enhance our growing ends and closures business," said Mr. Sullivan. Founded in 1899, Sonoco is a $3.2 billion global manufacturer of industrial and consumer packaging products and provider of packaging services, with more than 300 operations in 35 countries, serving customers in 85 nations.