Bemis appoints William Austen as president and CEO

Industry veteran William Austen has been appointed as the new president and CEO of flexible packager Bemis Co.  

Neenah, Wis.-based Bemis is said to be the largest flexible packaging company in the Americas and a major manufacturer of pressure sensitive materials used for labels/

The 55-year-old Austen succeeds Henry Theisen, who will retire next year. Until then, Theisen will remain chairman the company said.

In addition, Austen has been elected to the Bemis Board of Directors.

Austin, who has been chief operating officer since last year, has 14 years’ of experience with the company, including president of the company’s pressure-sensitive materials division, vice president of operations, and group president. Prior to joining Bemis, Austen spent 20 years in various leadership positions at General Electric Company. Prior to joining Bemis, Austen spent 20 years in various leadership positions at General Electric Company.

 “Bill is a proven leader with in-depth knowledge of all aspects of Bemis,” Theisen said in a statement. “He brings a passion and commitment to helping our customers solve their challenging packaging needs.”