Meet the Board of Directors of Berry Global Group

Berry Global Group is a renowned global plastic packaging and protection solution provider that has been thriving in the industry for more than fifty years. At the heart of their success lies a group of experienced and accomplished professionals who are responsible for making critical decisions regarding the strategic direction of the company. This article will delve into the core characteristics, roles, responsibilities, and achievements of Berry Global Group’s Board of Directors.

Who are the members of Berry Global Group's Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors of Berry Global Group comprises ten experienced and specialized members who bring extensive knowledge, expertise, and diversity to the table. They include:

• Thomas E. Salmon
• Carl J. Rickertsen
• M. Ann Harlan
• Gisela W. Howarth
• Maurice H. Suh
• Robert Stefansic
• Tommy Joe May
• Ronald S. Rolfe
• Maria Green
• Mark Badgley

Thomas E. Salmon is the Chairman and CEO of Berry Global Group. He has been with the company since 2007 and has played a significant role in its growth and success. Under his leadership, Berry Global Group has expanded its global footprint and diversified its product portfolio.

Carl J. Rickertsen is the Lead Independent Director of Berry Global Group. He has extensive experience in the private equity industry and has served on the boards of several companies. He brings valuable insights and perspectives to the board, particularly in the areas of finance and strategy.

What is the role of the Board of Directors in Berry Global Group?

Led by Thomas E. Salmon as the Chairman of the Board, the Board of Directors plays a crucial role in setting the overall strategy, objectives, policies, and goals of Berry Global Group. They are responsible for overseeing the company's management, evaluating its performance, and safeguarding the interests of its shareholders and stakeholders. Additionally, they provide guidance and recommendations to the management team and ensure effective communication and transparency between shareholders, management, and employees.

Furthermore, the Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the company operates in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. They also monitor the company's financial performance and ensure that appropriate risk management strategies are in place. The Board of Directors is accountable to the shareholders and must act in their best interests at all times. They are also responsible for appointing and evaluating the performance of the company's senior executives, including the CEO.

How does the Board of Directors impact the strategic direction of Berry Global Group?

The Board of Directors plays a fundamental role in shaping and directing the strategic direction of Berry Global Group. They set the overall vision and direction of the company, review and approve the annual budget, evaluate and approve significant acquisitions, divestitures, and investments, and ensure that the company remains competitive and innovative in the dynamic market landscape. They also monitor and assess the company’s performance against its strategic goals and objectives and provide guidance and recommendations to the management team to ensure that they are achieved.

Furthermore, the Board of Directors is responsible for ensuring that the company operates in an ethical and socially responsible manner. They establish and oversee policies and procedures related to corporate governance, risk management, and compliance with laws and regulations. They also prioritize sustainability initiatives and ensure that the company is taking steps to reduce its environmental impact and promote social responsibility.

What are the qualifications and experience required to become a member of Berry Global Group's Board of Directors?

The Board of Directors of Berry Global Group values diversity, experience, and innovation and seeks individuals who possess a broad range of professional and personal attributes. Prospective board members are evaluated based on their professional accomplishments, successes, and leadership skills, as well as their ability to support and nurture Berry Global Group's culture, values, and strategic plan. Additionally, they should have experience in finance, law, business strategy, or another relevant industry and have a good understanding of the regulatory and governance landscape.

Furthermore, the Board of Directors of Berry Global Group also looks for individuals who have a strong ethical compass and a commitment to corporate social responsibility. They should have a track record of making decisions that align with the company's values and have a deep understanding of the impact that their decisions have on the environment, society, and the company's stakeholders. The board members should also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as they will be required to work collaboratively with other board members, senior executives, and shareholders to achieve the company's goals.

How often does the Board of Directors meet and what is discussed during those meetings?

The Board of Directors of Berry Global Group meets at least four times annually, and additional special meetings can be called if necessary. The meetings usually last a few hours and are attended by all members, including the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and legal counsel. High-level strategic discussions, including business performance, financial results, acquisitions, and risk management, are held during these meetings, in addition to updates on regulatory compliance, corporate governance, and shareholder concerns. The board also considers internal audit results, approves capital investments, and reviews and approves executive compensation.

Aside from the regular meetings, the Board of Directors also conducts committee meetings to discuss specific areas of the company's operations. These committees include the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nominating and Governance Committee. The Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing the company's financial reporting and internal controls, while the Compensation Committee reviews and approves executive compensation packages. The Nominating and Governance Committee, on the other hand, is responsible for identifying and nominating candidates for the board and ensuring that the company's governance practices are in line with industry standards.

During the meetings, the Board of Directors also receives reports from various departments within the company, such as marketing, sales, and operations. These reports provide updates on the company's performance in different areas and help the board make informed decisions. Additionally, the board may also discuss potential mergers and acquisitions, as well as other strategic partnerships that could benefit the company in the long run.

What are some key decisions the Board of Directors has made for Berry Global Group in recent years?

In recent years, the Board of Directors of Berry Global Group has made several critical decisions that have been instrumental in shaping the company's strategy and driving its success. For example, the board oversaw the acquisition of RPC Group, a leading global packaging supplier, which substantially expanded Berry Global Group's product portfolio, customer base, and geographic presence. They also approved significant investments in innovation and technology, which enabled the company to develop advanced and sustainable packaging solutions, such as eco-friendly and compostable products. Additionally, the board played a key role in managing the company's successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of operations, and protecting the health and well-being of employees and stakeholders.

Another key decision made by the Board of Directors of Berry Global Group was to prioritize sustainability and environmental responsibility in the company's operations. This included setting ambitious goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the use of renewable energy sources, and minimizing waste and water usage. The board also established a Sustainability Committee to oversee and guide the company's sustainability initiatives, ensuring that they align with the company's values and long-term vision. These efforts have not only helped Berry Global Group to reduce its environmental impact but have also strengthened its reputation as a responsible and forward-thinking company.

How does Berry Global Group ensure diversity and inclusion on its Board of Directors?

Berry Global Group is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across all levels of the organization and its Board of Directors. The company values a wide range of perspectives and experiences and actively seeks to recruit individuals from diverse backgrounds, including gender, ethnicity, race, age, and nationality. The company has established a comprehensive Board Diversity Policy that outlines the board's mission, composition, assessment, and development. The board regularly evaluates its diversity and ensures that its membership reflects the company's values and the communities it serves.

In addition to its Board Diversity Policy, Berry Global Group also provides diversity and inclusion training to its board members. This training helps board members understand the importance of diversity and inclusion and how it can positively impact the company's performance. The company also encourages its board members to participate in external diversity and inclusion initiatives and events to further their understanding and knowledge of the topic.

Berry Global Group's commitment to diversity and inclusion extends beyond its board of directors. The company has established employee resource groups (ERGs) that provide a platform for employees to connect, share experiences, and promote diversity and inclusion within the company. The ERGs also provide feedback and recommendations to the company's leadership team on how to improve diversity and inclusion efforts across the organization.

What is the selection process for new members to join Berry Global Group's Board of Directors?

The selection process for new members to join Berry Global Group's Board of Directors is rigorous and thorough. The Nominating and Governance Committee, composed of independent directors, oversees the selection process and evaluates potential candidates based on their skills, experiences, accomplishments, character, and cultural fit. The committee considers recommendations from various sources, including shareholders, executive search firms, industry experts, and referrals, to identify qualified candidates. The selected candidates go through an extensive vetting process that includes background checks, interviews, and evaluation by the board. Once approved, they receive an in-depth orientation and training to ensure that they are fully equipped to carry out their duties and responsibilities.

It is worth noting that the selection process for new members to join Berry Global Group's Board of Directors is not a one-time event. The Nominating and Governance Committee continuously evaluates the composition of the board and identifies areas where additional expertise or diversity may be needed. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the board remains effective and responsive to the company's evolving needs and challenges.

How has the current composition of Berry Global Group's Board of Directors changed over time?

Berry Global Group's Board of Directors has undergone significant changes over time to reflect the evolving needs and challenges of the company and the market landscape. In recent years, the company has added new members with diverse skills and experiences, such as expertise in digital innovation, environmental sustainability, and international business. The board has also undergone changes in its leadership structure, with Thomas E. Salmon assuming the role of Chairman of the Board. The company seeks to continuously assess the board's composition and ensure that it maintains a balance of experienced directors and new talents who can drive innovation and growth.

In conclusion, the Board of Directors of Berry Global Group is a highly experienced, engaged, and diverse group of professionals who are committed to driving the company's long-term growth and success. Their expertise, strategic vision, and dedicated efforts have enabled Berry Global Group to navigate challenges, capitalize on opportunities, and deliver value to shareholders and stakeholders.

One notable change in the composition of Berry Global Group's Board of Directors is the increased representation of women and minorities. In recent years, the company has made a concerted effort to diversify its board, recognizing the importance of having a range of perspectives and experiences at the table. As of 2021, women make up 33% of the board, and minorities make up 22%. This is a significant improvement from just a few years ago, and the company is committed to continuing to increase diversity at all levels of the organization.