Ralf K. Wunderlich Named President and CEO of Huhtamaki

Huhtamaki Appoints Ralf K. Wunderlich as President and CEO

Huhtamaki has appointed Ralf K. Wunderlich (58) as President and CEO, effective January 15, 2025, following the planned departure of the current President and CEO, Charles Héaulmé. Charles will continue to support the company until July 2025 to ensure a smooth transition.

Pekka Vauramo, Chair of the Board, expressed gratitude to Charles for his nearly six years of leadership, highlighting significant progress during his tenure, including Huhtamaki’s journey toward becoming the first choice for sustainable packaging solutions and its updated 2030 growth strategy. “Under Charles’s leadership, the company has focused on scaling profitable core businesses, developing innovative sustainable packaging solutions, and enhancing competitiveness. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” said Vauramo.

Charles Héaulmé commented, “I am proud of what we have achieved with the Huhtamaki team. The company is on a strong path, with many growth opportunities ahead. It’s the right time for me to step down.”

Ralf K. Wunderlich brings extensive experience in the packaging industry. Previously, he held leadership roles at Amcor, LINPAC Group, and Rio Tinto Alcan, and has been a non-executive director at several companies. He has served on Huhtamaki’s Board of Directors since 2018.

Pekka Vauramo noted, “Ralf has extensive experience leading international packaging businesses and a proven track record of driving business growth. We are confident that Ralf is the right leader to guide Huhtamaki toward its next phase as a sustainable packaging leader.”

Upon his appointment, Ralf K. Wunderlich expressed excitement about joining Huhtamaki. “I am thrilled to take on this role and look forward to working with the team to deliver value to our customers and shareholders,” he said.

Following his appointment, Ralf will step down from Huhtamaki’s Board of Directors, reducing the number of board members to seven.

Global Executive Team Structure (Post-January 15, 2025):

• Ralf K. Wunderlich – President and CEO (Chair)
• Charles Héaulmé – President and CEO (until January 14, 2025)
• Thomas Geust – Chief Financial Officer
• Fredrik Davidsson – President, Fiber Foodservice Europe-Asia-Oceania
• Axel Glade – President, Flexible Packaging (from January 1, 2026)
• Marco Hilty – President, Flexible Packaging (until January 31, 2025)
• Ann O’Hara – President, North America
• Salla Ahonen – Executive Vice President, Sustainability and Communications
• Sami Pauni – Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Legal, Group General Counsel
• Johan Rabe – Executive Vice President, Digital and Process Performance
• Ingolf Thom – Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Safety
• Wilhelm Wolff – Executive Vice President, Strategy and Business Development (from January 13, 2025)

About Huhtamaki Huhtamaki is a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions, providing innovative products that protect food, beverages, and personal care items while promoting hygiene, safety, and reducing food waste. With over 100 years of history and a strong Nordic heritage, Huhtamaki operates in 37 countries with over 18,000 professionals. In 2023, the company’s net sales totaled EUR 4.2 billion. Huhtamäki Oyj is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki. For more information, visit www.huhtamaki.com.