Alcan Packaging global CEO Ilene Gordon quits company

Gordon, who took on the president and chief executive officer role at the $6.5bn packaging group in December 2006, is to move to head up cereals producer Corn Products International on 4 May.

Jean-Christophe Deslarzes, who is currently president and chief executive officer of Alcan’s Downstream Aluminium business, is to take on Gordon’s responsibility for the packaging business alongside his current role.

Gordon’s departure marks the end of a long career in what is now Rio Tinto Alcan, having spent much of her career with metals group Pechiney prior to its acquisition by Alcan in 2003. She was president of Alcan Food Packaging Americas from 2004 to 2006.

The move also comes as Rio Tinto Alcan attempts to sell the Alcan Packaging business, which has around 130 factories in 30 countries and operates in the food, beauty and pharmaceutical industries.

Amcor and Bemis have been linked to a deal for the division, which was put up for sale when mining group Rio Tinto bought Alcan in mid-2007.

Amcor confirmed in February that buy-out talks were taking place, but it is thought that securing credit for the deal is proving a major hurdle for the deal.

Rio Tinto Alcan confirmed Deslarzes’ appointment to Packaging News but made no further statement on Gordon’s move.

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