Huhtamaki announces Ralf K. Wunderlich as President and CEO

FINLAND – Huhtamaki, a leading Finnish packaging company, has announced the appointment of Ralf K. Wunderlich as its new President and CEO, effective 15 January 2025.

Wunderlich will succeed Charles Héaulmé, who will step down from his role but remain available to the company until July 2025 to ensure a smooth transition. 

Pekka Vauramo, Huhtamaki’s Board Chair, praised Héaulmé’s nearly six-year tenure, “I warmly thank Charles for his excellent leadership.

“Under his guidance, Huhtamaki has significantly advanced its journey to becoming the preferred choice for sustainable packaging solutions and developed its updated 2030 growth strategy.”

Following his appointment, Wunderlich will step down from his position on Huhtamaki’s Board of Directors, a role he has held since 2018.

Vauramo expressed confidence in Wunderlich’s ability to lead the company, “Ralf K. Wunderlich brings extensive experience in leading international packaging businesses, exceptional operational expertise, and the ability to build high-performing teams.

“We are confident he will continue Huhtamaki’s strong momentum in delivering innovative, sustainable solutions and driving competitiveness.” 

Wunderlich’s impressive career spans leadership roles across global packaging and industrial businesses.

He served as President and Managing Director at LINPAC Group companies (2008–2009) and held various management positions at Rio Tinto Alcan from 1993 to 2007, culminating as President of Alcan Packaging Global Tobacco.

In addition to executive roles, he has contributed as a non-executive director for both listed and private companies, providing valuable strategic insights. 

On his appointment, Wunderlich said, “I know Huhtamaki well and have always admired its ability to innovate and deliver world-class results. I am excited to join as President and CEO and look forward to working with the Huhtamaki team to create exceptional value for our customers and shareholders.” 

This leadership change comes barely a month after the company appointed Axel Glade as President of Flexible Packaging.

Axel joins Huhtamaki from Constantia Flexibles, a Flexible Packaging company headquartered in Vienna, Austria, where he has served as Executive Vice President of the Film Division and member of the Executive Committee.

Since joining Constantia in 2011, he has held several leadership roles such as SVP Consumer and CEO at Constantia Pirk.

Before Constantia, Axel held various leadership roles in other packaging companies, including Sealed Air and Bischof + Klein.

“I am very pleased to welcome Axel to Huhtamaki and the Global Executive Team. His impressive background in the Flexible Packaging industry and his experience in leading multinational businesses will be key in leading our Flexible Packaging segment and delivering on our 2030 ambitions,” says Charles Héaulmé, the outgoing President and CEO of Huhtamaki​.

“I am excited to join the Huhtamaki team and a global company known as a leading sustainable packaging solutions provider. I look forward to working with the global Flexibles team to grow the business both profitably and sustainably,” says Axel Glade, newly appointed President of Flexible Packaging.

Alex is set to join the company by January 1, 2026. In the interim, Hans-Peter Edelbluth, currently serving as Vice President for MEA in the Flexible Packaging segment, will step in as Interim President of the segment starting February 1, 2025, ensuring continuity of leadership until Alex takes over.

With approximately 18,000 employees across 103 locations in 37 countries, Huhtamaki is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions.

The company remains focused on scaling its core businesses, driving innovation, and achieving its vision for a more sustainable future.

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