Company Leaders
Meet the leadership team behind Pope Packaging. With decades of industry experience, our leaders guide operations across Australia, New Zealand, Asia and the USA. From manufacturing and logistics to sales and sustainability, our focus is on performance, innovation and reliability.
Each leader plays a hands-on role in delivering results and building strong partnerships across global markets. Together, we drive Pope Packaging forward, ensuring our customers, people and processes remain supported through change, growth and opportunity.
Des Pope
Des Pope
Managing Director
Des founded Pope Packaging in 1956, growing it from a small merchant bag business in Adelaide into a globally diversified packaging company.
Craig Elkington
Craig Elkington
Chief Executive Officer
Since joining Pope Packaging as CEO in 2016, Craig has drawn on his global leadership experience to drive innovation, expansion, and industry leadership.
Neil Ford
Neil Ford
Chief Financial Officer
Neil, with 20+ years of executive leadership, leverages finance and strategy to drive success company-wide.
Karen Hartman
Karen Hartman
Supply & Distribution Manager ANZ
Karen leverages her financial and supply chain expertise in strategic sourcing, logistics, and continuous improvement.
Rett Schuler
Rett Schuler
President & General Manager, USA
Matthew Sullivan
Matthew Sullivan
General Manager - Papersacks
Over 17 years at Pope Packaging, Matthew has grown the paper sack division into a leading Australian supplier by improving efficiency and achieving key industry accreditations.
Liam Martyn
Liam Martyn
General Manager - Flexibles Division
With 20+ years of manufacturing expertise, Liam drives change, builds high-performing teams, and ensures innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction at Pope Packaging.
Andrew Huhn
Andrew Huhn
General Manager - Textiles Division
With 25 years of packaging and FMCG experience, Andrew drives sales strategy, business development, and sustainable partnerships, leading growth and efficiency across the division.
Scott Cozens
Scott Cozens
General Manager, Textile Bag & Sack
With 25+ years of executive experience, Scott leads Pope Packaging New Zealand, driving sales, marketing, and operations to align with the company’s strategic vision.
Dilip Liyanage
Dilip Liyanage
General Manager, Plastipak Lanka
Dilip leads Plastipak Lanka, a key part of Pope Packaging’s global network, driving operational excellence and business growth with over 22 years of leadership experience.
David Miller
David Miller
FIBC Business Manager
David, with 18 years of technical and commercial expertise, has led Pope Packaging’s FIBC division since 2022, delivering safe, cost-effective, and tailored packaging solutions.
Inside Our Company Leaders Approach
Our leadership team brings together local insight and global supply chain expertise. Each department head plays a vital role in manufacturing, logistics, sales, sustainability, and compliance.
We support clients across agriculture, construction, food production and retail. Our leaders understand the packaging challenges of these industries and deliver solutions that are both practical and forward-looking.
Transparency and collaboration are central to how we work. We stay closely connected with suppliers and stakeholders to ensure alignment and consistent supply. This approach keeps us agile and responsive to changing market needs.
Interested in joining the team? Check out our Careers page or follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates and job opportunities.
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