HARTSVILLE, S.C. (News release) -- Sonoco Products Company, a global leader in high-value sustainable packaging, announced that, Craig L. Nix, CPA has been appointed to its Board of Directors (the "Board").

Mr. Nix serves as Chief Financial Officer of First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (Nasdaq: FCNCA), a top 20 financial institution and the largest family-controlled bank in the United States, based in Raleigh, N.C. At First Citizens, he is responsible for all corporate finance functions, including accounting, financial planning and analysis, external reporting, investor relations and the tax, treasury and controller groups. Prior to taking this role in 2014, Mr. Nix served across a range of roles at First Citizens Bancorporation, Inc., based in Columbia, S.C., starting in 1999, including as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer from 2001 to 2014. After First Citizens Bancorporation, Inc. merged with First Citizens in 2014, Mr. Nix was appointed to the First Citizens post-merger executive leadership team and oversaw the transition and evolution of the newly combined company's corporate finance functions. Prior to that, Mr. Nix served as an audit manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.

"We are pleased to welcome Craig to Sonoco's Board of Directors," said John R. Haley, Chairman of the Board. "Craig is a seasoned and respected financial expert who has overseen significant finance-related decision-making at the highest levels of banking and business. The Board believes that Craig's extensive experience in corporate finance, capital allocation and corporate restructuring, along with his current executive management role, will be a valuable perspective on the Board as Sonoco continues to execute its strategy, including portfolio simplification, organizational streamlining, and capital investments. As the current CFO of a top financial institution, he is well-positioned to share insight on financial operations practices to respond to and navigate changing business trends and dynamics."

Mr. Nix is an independent member of the Board and will stand for election at the Company's next scheduled Annual General Meeting. He joins the Company's Audit Committee and the Financial Policy Committee.