O-I names new COO; European president resigns

Owens-Illinois (O-I) has announced several leadership changes, naming Andres Lopez president of glass containers and chief operating officer, and announcing the resignation of Erik Bouts, president of O-I Europe.

Lopez will commence the newly created role on 1 February 2015, overseeing O-I’s business and operations in all of the company’s geographic regions. He is currently president of O-I Americas, responsible for both South and North American operations.

“Andres is an exceptional and creative leader, a strategist, a strong communicator and developer of talent. He has a deep understanding of our customers, our technology and our markets, knowledge that coalesces perfectly in this new position,” said Al Stroucken, O-I chairman and CEO.

Bouts will leave the company on 31 January 2015 to pursue other opportunities.

Leadership succession for both the European and North American businesses will be determined in the near future; in the interim, Lopez will continue to lead the North American business.