Dick Searle, a seasoned industry professional who began his packaging career 38 years ago at Metal Box, and was most recently executive chairman of the Britton Group, has been appointed as the Packaging Federation’s new ceo.
A former chairman of UK film industry trade association PIFA, Searle officially takes over from Ian Dent on January 1, following the latter’s decision to stand down.
Beginning his packaging career at Metal Box’s Speke, UK factory in 1968, where he progressed to become both works and factory manager, Searle later served for 13 years as general manager of the company’s Winsford site before being appointed managing director at plastic closure and container specialist Johnsen & Jorgensen Plastics in 1978.
After a subsequent four-year spell as group md of the Johnsen & Jorgensen Group, and a year as managing director of CMB Closures, he headed the European operations of paperboard and packaging group Riverwood International from 1990-1994. Six years as chief executive of steel packaging, chemical manufacturing and chemical trading business Blagden Industries was followed by his appointment as executive chairman of plastic film manufacturer Britton Group, from 2000-2004. The last two years have seen him chair a family-owned property business,
Retiring ceo Dent says: “I have enjoyed my seven years in the role and wish to convey my thanks to all those companies and affiliated trade associations who have had the vision to support the Federation. I am delighted I will be handing the reins to someone as passionate about the industry as me.”