Andres Lopez is named President of Glass Containers and COO of Owens Illinois (O-I), as Erik Bouts announces his decision to leave the company.
As of the 1st February 2015, Andres Lopez will preside as President of Glass Containers and Chief Operating Officer of O-I.
In this newly created role, Lopez will oversee O-I's business and operations in all of the company's geographic regions.
Lopez's appointment to this role constitutes the next phase in the ongoing CEO succession planning process that O-I's Board of Directors has been actively managing.
Lopez joined O-I in 1986 in Colombia and has held several leadership positions.
From 2009 to 2014, he served as president of O-I South America. Under Lopez's leadership, the region achieved substantial cost reduction, resulting in increased segment operating income and cash generation.
In August, he was named president of O-I Americas, adding responsibility for O-I's North American operations.
Erik Bouts, president of O-I Europe, will leave the company, effective January 31, 2015, to pursue other opportunities.
Leadership succession for 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.
