Ball (NYSE: BLL) today announced that Erik Bouts, 53, will join the company as senior vice president, Ball Corporation, and chief operating officer, global metal beverage packaging, effective Feb. 1, 2015. Bouts will report directly to John A. Hayes, chairman, president and CEO and he will be based in Zurich, Switzerland.
"Erik is a proven leader with a wealth of experience in global manufacturing environments," Hayes said. "His demonstrated track record in providing direction amidst competitive and changing global markets, building strong customer relationships, leveraging organizational capabilities and leading diverse, dynamic teams aligns well with Ball's culture and vision for the future."
Bouts will lead Ball's global metal beverage packaging business as the company continues to maximize value and leverage technological expertise, broaden its geographic reach, expand into new products and capabilities, and align with the right global and regional customers and markets. The regional metal beverage packaging business unit presidents in North America, Europe, Asia and Brazil will report to him.
Bouts most recently was president of Owens-Illinois, Europe. His professional experience also includes serving as chief executive officer at The Glidden Company, a subsidiary of AkzoNobel, and a variety of positions at the Philips Group, including leading the shaving and grooming business unit and president and chief executive officer of Philips Lighting North America.
Scott C. Morrison, senior vice president and chief financial officer, who assumed interim responsibility as chief operating officer for the global metal beverage business earlier this year, will resume his primary responsibilities.
"I'd like to thank Scott for the tremendous work he has done while taking on this additional role," Hayes said. "Our global beverage business is very well positioned and we are excited to add Erik to our leadership team."
