Robert W. Brown and J. James Davis, founders and co-chairmen of the board of Great Northern Corporation, announced that the company’s leadership succession plan will be implemented at the annual meeting in April 2008. At that time, John R. Davis will assume the position of corporate CEO in addition to his role as president of the Packaging Group. William A. Raaths, CEO since 2002, will become chairman of the board. Headquartered in Appleton, WI, Great Northern has more than 800 employees and designs, manufactures and distributes packaging solutions and point-of-sale display programs for industrial, commercial, and retail products.
Davis joined Great Northern in 1986 and has held several key positions including president of the Packaging Group since 2001. Under his leadership, the Packaging Group has expanded to four locations in Wisconsin and is a recognized national leader in point-of-sale packaging and point-of-purchase displays. Raaths joined Great Northern in 2002 as its Chief Executive Officer. Under Raaths leadership, Great Northern has doubled in size through growth in market share, acquisitions and new venture start-ups. Robert Brown and J. James Davis will remain on the Great Northern board as founding directors.
