Pignone will take up the position on 1 December and replaces John M. Grups who is retiring from 31 March 2013.
Sonoco said during the transition, Grups will work with Pignone on several manufacturing initiatives.
Pignone joined the company in 1997 and was elevated to division vice president and general manager of paper,North Americain 2000. He became vice president, global manufacturing in 2009 and later vice president of operating excellence.
John Colyer, vice president, paper and industrial converted products, said: "Marty previously led our North American paper mills for eight years and implemented several key safety and operating excellence initiatives that improved performance during his tenure.
“In this new role, we're asking him to improve operating performance and safety near-term, while further developing our paper manufacturing management team."