Rigid Containers, part of the VPK Group, has appointed David Richardson as its new Group Managing Director.

David joins Rigid from DS Smith where he worked for over 25 years, latterly as Sector Director Retail South, responsible for five sites and over 1000 employees.

David will replace Richard Coward, who, having led the business for over a decade, is retiring. Richard has helped to build Rigid into a leading supplier of corrugated packaging which is widely respected in the UK, and more recently Irish, markets. Both he and David will work on a short handover with David taking on the role of Group Managing Director in July.

“Having had the privilege of being at the helm of Rigid Containers for over a decade, and as a team having achieved much of what we set out to do, now is the appropriate time to stand down and let someone else have the opportunity to take the business to the next level,” said Richard.

“David’s excellent reputation proceeds him and it is clear that his personality and style will be well suited to Rigid and continue our transformation into one of the key players in the corrugated industry.”

Commenting on his appointment David said; “I would also like to express my sincere thanks to Richard who has done a remarkable job of developing the strategy and growing the business impressively over the years.

I am looking forward immensely to building on that platform and leading Rigid in its next chapter of growth, working closely with all our stakeholders and growing our capability to ensure we continue to deliver the products and service both our existing and new customers demand.”