Mr Blackford took over from Alan McKendrick, chief executive of Aylesford, at the CPI's annual general meeting on March 4. Mr Blackford is currently chairman of the Corrugated Packaging Association. His previous positions include working for Bunzl's Flexible Packaging Division and he spent 17 years in flexible packaging with DRG. Mr Blackford has managed a printed polythene business for the Alida group, developed a number of carton and tube businesses for BPB and ran a paper mill in Scotland. He joined the Amcor corrugated operation in 1992 and was responsible for the Linpac Corrugated Division in 1998.
On assuming the presidency, Mr Blackford paid tribute to Mr McKendrick and praised his focused leadership and commitment to CPI. He said: “This is an exciting time to be taking over. We have a new senior management team that is in the process of developing a forward looking business plan. With the help and support of the board I intend to build on the legacy I have inherited from Alan and work to ensure that CPI becomes the voice for the whole of the paper and board industry.”
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