O-I Announces President of European Business

Owens-Illinois (O-I) has named Erik Bouts as the company's president of O-I Europe effective 1 January 2013, succeeding Jose Lorente, who will leave the company after 34 years.

Bouts will accelerate O-I's efforts to strengthen its leading market position in Europe.

In 2013, O-I will invest $175m in its European facilities, improving quality, sustainability and capabilities to better support the growing need of European customers for more sustainable and healthy glass packaging solutions.

"Erik's experience in leading major manufacturing companies and his strong focus on execution and results will be invaluable on our journey to strengthen our competitiveness in Europe​," said Al Stroucken, O-I chairman and chief executive officer.

"He comes to O-I with a strong record of successfully rallying organisations around new ideas and strategies, while building strong relationships with customers, business partners and the workforce."​