Amcor, one of the world’s leading packaging companies, has made headlines with a strategic leadership change that is already resonating in the markets. On Friday, Amcor’s stock rose by 3.2% in premarket trading following the announcement of Stephen R. Scherger as the company’s new Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Scherger, who spent the last decade as CFO of Graphic Packaging, is slated to officially take over the role on November 10, 2025. He replaces Michael Casamento, who is stepping down to return to Australia after ten years in the position. Casamento will remain on board as a strategic advisor through June 30, 2026, to ensure a smooth transition.

This appointment is more than just a change in title; it signals a deeper strategic shift at Amcor as it continues to position itself as an industry leader in sustainable and innovative packaging. Scherger brings over 30 years of experience across finance, operations, and corporate strategy within the packaging sector. During his tenure at Graphic Packaging, the company more than doubled its net sales to nearly $9 billion and tripled its net income—a performance that underlines his operational and financial leadership capabilities.

“His proven track record of enhancing growth and profitability at lean, global businesses will further enhance Amcor’s ability to deliver near- and long-term value for customers and shareholders,” said Peter Konieczny, CEO of Amcor.

Scherger echoed the company’s optimism in his own statement: “Amcor has established itself as a global leader and innovator in the packaging industry, especially after the Berry Global acquisition. I am honored and excited to join the team at this time and contribute to delivering the ongoing integration commitments.”

His arrival comes at a critical juncture for Amcor. In addition to integrating its recent acquisition of Berry Global, the company is aiming to deliver on aggressive performance targets for the fiscal year 2026. The company reaffirmed its outlook, projecting:

• Adjusted EPS of $0.80 to $0.83 per share, representing a 12%–17% growth in constant currency
• Free Cash Flow of $1.8 to $1.9 billion for FY2026
• First-quarter Adjusted EPS expected to fall between $0.18 and $0.20

These projections not only reflect operational stability but also a confident forecast that is further strengthened by the leadership transition. Scherger's background in managing lean operations and steering global businesses toward profitability is expected to be a valuable asset as Amcor continues to scale and innovate.

More broadly, this move underlines a growing trend in the packaging sector: the elevation of leaders with proven track records in both financial discipline and operational transformation. As the industry grapples with sustainability pressures, shifting consumer demands, and complex global supply chains, the appointment of executives like Scherger may become a blueprint for success.

With a seasoned leader at the financial helm and a solid earnings forecast, Amcor appears well-positioned to capitalize on current momentum and continue delivering long-term value for its stakeholders.