The board of directors of Avery Dennison Corporation (NYSE:AVY) has elected President and CEO Dean A. Scarborough to succeed Kent Kresa as chairman of the board, and has selected Director David E. I. Pyott to be the lead independent director. Pyott, chairman and chief executive officer of Allergan Inc., is one of 10 independent directors on Avery Dennison’s 12-person board.

The changes will take effect upon Kresa’s retirement on April 22 at the annual shareholders meeting, in accordance with Avery Dennison’s policy that directors retire at the age of 72. As chairman, Scarborough will continue in his roles as president and chief executive officer.

Avery Dennison Chairman Kent Kresa says, “In the five years that Dean Scarborough has been CEO, he has led Avery Dennison’s global expansion and guided the Company during an exceptionally challenging recession. He has built a strong management team and led the development and implementation of a sound strategy for future growth. I have enjoyed working with Dean and my other fellow directors, and I am confident in the new leadership structure of the board.”

David Pyott says, “Kent Kresa has guided the Avery Dennison board with a steady hand, and we have benefited immensely from his deep experience as chairman. We wish him all the best. In my additional role as lead independent director, I look forward to continuing Kent’s practice of fostering active and engaged participation by all board members.”

“Kent Kresa has been a great role model and mentor, and I am honored to succeed him as chairman,” says Dean Scarborough. “Our board participates vigorously in the development of our Company’s strategic direction, and I will continue to execute on our vision of the future on behalf of our shareholders.

“Our proposed governance changes reflect our intention to keep our practices aligned with shareholder interests and demonstrate our continued commitment to good corporate governance,” Scarborough adds.

Scarborough, 54, has been president and CEO of Avery Dennison since 2005. He joined Avery Dennison in 1983 and has served in increasingly responsible management, marketing and operations leadership roles in its converting and materials businesses. In 1990, he was promoted to vice president and general manager, Fasson Roll North America. Five years later, he moved to the Netherlands to lead Roll Materials Europe. He returned to the US in 1997, when he was appointed group vice president, Fasson Roll North America and Roll Materials Europe. He was promoted to group vice president, Roll Materials Worldwide two years later and, in 2000, was elected president and chief operating officer of Avery Dennison.