Valette will lead the execution of the company's current R&D portfolio, while managing the strategic development of the next wave of R&D concepts aimed at securing O-I's position as the cost and innovation leader in the glass packaging industry.
He joins O-I from The Dow Chemical Company, where he held various leadership positions over the past 13 years. He holds a master's degree in material sciences and engineering, and a Ph.D. in macromolecular chemistry and composites from the National Institute of Applied Sciences in Lyon, France.
"The depth of Ludovic's technical knowledge and expertise, combined with his transformational leadership experience, are the right fit to ignite O-I's significant science and engineering talent," said Giancarlo Currarino, vice president and chief technology officer. "Under his leadership, I am confident that we will make significant advances in R&D that will bring value to O-I and, more importantly, to our customers."
Valette joins O-I as construction of the company's Innovation Center nears completion. Announced in September 2012, the Innovation Center will help advance new concepts and qualify emerging technologies that could revolutionize glass melting and forming. The center is expected to begin pilot operations in the fourth quarter of this year.
