O-I names Vitaliano Torno as leader of European operations

Global glass container manufacturer Owens-Illinois Inc (O-I) has named Vitaliano Torno managing director of O-I Europe, effective immediately.

Torno succeeds Erik Bouts as the most senior level executive for O-I in Europe and will report to Andres Lopez, president of glass containers and chief operating officer.

As the head of O-I’s largest region, Torno will continue shepherding the company through its long-term asset optimization program. His strong commercial background will help support the growing needs of European customers and serve to promote the company’s leadership role in providing sustainable, healthy and safe packaging solutions.

Torno has worked in the glass industry for more than 25 years. He served as general manager of O-I’s operations in central Europe (Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary) in the late 1990s, and in Italy in the early 2000s. Following O-I’s acquisition of BSN in 2004, Torno was named vice president of sales and business development for O-I Europe. After serving in several commercial leadership roles for the region, he was named vice president of O-I’s European country organization, a role he will maintain in his new position.

“Vitaliano has a broad understanding of the European markets and customers, and has a strong background in the glass industry,” said Al Stroucken, O-I chairman and CEO. “He served as an architect of the recent restructuring in the region, so we expect he will continue the strong momentum we are experiencing in that region.”

O-I’s European business comprises 8,000 employees in 10 different countries. With more than $2.8bn of sales in 2013, the region represents approximately 40% of the company’s global sales.