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Sabert Corp. named Paul McCann, a seasoned veteran with more than 25 years of experience in the packaging and process industries, as its new chief executive officer.

In a Jan. 2 news release announcing the appointment, the Sayreville-based food packaging company said McCann will lead all aspects of its global business operations and strategy, overseeing units in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, effective immediately.

McCann joins Sabert from Graphic Packaging International, where he served most recently as senior vice president, leading its more-than $1 billion foodservice division.

His background also includes senior management roles with Solo Cup Co., Smurfit Stone Container Corp. and Monsanto Corp., where he held positions in procurement, supply chain and operations and general management.

McCann succeeds founder Albert Salama, who is shifting into a new role as executive chairman and will partner closely with the incoming CEO to ensure a smooth transition, the company said.

After founding Sabert 40 years ago, Salama has expanded the business from a product line of just five items to more than 1,000 stock keeping units used by international, national and local food retailers, including restaurant chains, supermarkets, food processors and foodservice distribution. With more than 2,000 employees and seven manufacturing facilities across the globe, Sabert is considered an established leader in the food packaging industry.

“We are thrilled to welcome Paul McCann as Sabert’s new CEO,” Salama said in a statement. “Paul is an accomplished leader whose blend of packaging industry expertise, financial acumen, operational background, and international market experience make him uniquely qualified to guide Sabert into our next chapter of innovation and growth. I have full confidence that his ability to connect with and inspire both customers and employees, his commitment to continuous improvement and his transparent and honest leadership style will be instrumental in driving Sabert’s continued success.”

McCann said he is honored to serve as CEO of the company.

“I look forward to working with Albert, the leadership team and Sabert’s talented global workforce to further the company’s legacy of bringing value to its customers and continuing to drive innovation within the food packaging industry,” he stated.