Crown Holdings Announces Major Leadership Changes: Djalma Novaes Jr. Stepping Up as COO
Crown Holdings, a key player in the packaging industry, is set to redefine its leadership as it announces significant changes that are poised to shape the company’s future. On July 1, Djalma Novaes Jr. will ascend to the role of Executive Vice President and COO, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s leadership trajectory. This decision comes with a series of shifts that highlight Crown’s commitment to strong governance and strategic growth.
Leadership Transition Overview
Crown’s current COO, Gerard Gifford, will transition to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer. Having served as COO since 2017 and with a tenure at Crown extending back to 1983, Gifford is expected to retire early next year, leaving behind a legacy of operational excellence.
Djalma Novaes: A Proven Leader
Djalma Novaes Jr. is no stranger to Crown Holdings, having been with the company since 1998. Notably, he has led the Americas division — the company’s largest business unit — since 2015. His previous roles include Vice President of Operations for North America’s beverage can business.
“Under Djalma’s leadership, the company has more than doubled segment income, strengthening our competitive position across the Americas,” stated Crown CEO Tim Donahue. “His strategic vision and operational expertise make him an ideal fit for this expanded role.”
Expanded Responsibilities
In his new role, Novaes will not only oversee Crown’s Americas and European divisions but will also take charge of global sourcing and CMB Engineering, the company’s can manufacturing equipment arm. This expanded responsibility underscores Crown’s aspiration to enhance its operational efficiency and market responsiveness.
Shifting Roles: Gary Gavin Takes the Helm
Alongside Novaes’s promotion, Gary Gavin will move up to become the President of the Crown Americas Division. Previously serving as President of the North American beverage can business, Gavin is set to advance the division’s successes. Since joining Crown in 2023, he brought with him over 29 years of experience from International Paper, where he was the Vice President and General Manager of North America’s container division.
Gavin’s leadership has already catalyzed a significant capacity expansion in Crown’s North American beverage can business, translating into robust sales and income growth. This momentum aligns with Crown’s recent report of a 2% increase in beverage can volumes in the Americas, setting a positive tone for the upcoming summer season.
Continued Growth in Beverage Can Market
Crown Holdings has been on an upward trajectory in the beverage can market, showing resilience and adaptability in its operations. Just last month, the company announced the addition of a third line to its beverage can plant in Brazil to cater to escalating demand.
New Leadership in the Asia Pacific Region
The leadership shake-up also extends to the Asia Pacific region. On July 1, John Rost will assume the presidency of this division, stepping in for Carlos Baila, who is leaving for personal reasons. Having been with Crown since 1997, Rost played a critical role in driving innovation and forming the sustainability team at the company’s technology centers.
Conclusion: A New Era for Crown Holdings
Crown Holdings is at the brink of a new era with these strategic leadership changes. By promoting experienced leaders and reshaping key operations, Crown aims to fortify its market position and innovate further in the ever-evolving packaging industry. As the company embraces these changes, stakeholders and industry watchers alike will be keenly observing the impacts on Crown’s overall performance and strategic initiatives.
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