Rexam PLC, the global consumer packaging company, has announced that Graham Chipchase will succeed Leslie Van de Walle, effective January 1, 2010 when Leslie retires from the group to concentrate on, and develop, his non-executive interests.

Graham has been group director Plastic Packaging since July 2005, and joined the Rexam board as group finance director in February 2003.

Commenting on the executive change, current CEO Van de Walle, said: “I am very pleased to be handing over to Graham, with whom I have worked closely for the past three years. In my time as CEO we have established the foundations on which Rexam can build a successful future, and both the board and I believe that now is the right time to hand the reins over to Graham to take the business forward.”