O-I's Asia Pacific region accounts for about $1 billion of the company's global sales. The company has 13 plants employing 6,000 employees in four countries in the region, including Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia and China. The company also has joint ventures in Malaysia and Vietnam. Bramlage will lead the region's efforts to respond quickly and effectively in the marketplace.

"Greg Ridder has been with the company nearly 30 years and was instrumental in helping us successfully grow our operations in Asia Pacific," said chairman and CEO Al Stroucken. "Steve will bring a fresh perspective to the region and will address, head on, the challenges we are facing in Australia and New Zealand, where market demand has dipped to record lows. His global experience and financial acumen will serve him well in this leadership role."

Bramlage brings an extensive financial background to his new position as president of O-I Asia Pacific. Prior to his most recent role as general manager of O-I New Zealand, Bramlage served as vice president of finance and treasurer at the company's world headquarters and vice president of finance for O-I's European operations. Before joining O-I in 2006, Bramlage held roles in treasury and corporate finance at coatings company PPG Industries, pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly & Company and Big Four accounting firm Ernst & Young.

Bramlage, a certified public accountant, is a graduate of the University of Dayton. He holds an MBA from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.

From the July 28, 2011,Prepared Foods' Daily News.