CHICAGO November 7, 2000 Packtion, an online solution provider for the global packaging industry, announced the appointment of Edward A. Lapekas, 57, to executive chairman. A 32-year veteran of the packaging industry, Lapekas will oversee Packtions mission to drive an industry standard e-commerce system that integrates the entire packaging supply chain.
Lapekas formerly served as chairman and CEO of American National Can Group, a $2.3 billion global packaging company that produces approximately 40 billion beverage cans annually. In this role, he led the company in its spinoff from parent company Pechiney Group through an initial public stock offering in 1997 and in its acquisition by UK-based consumer packaging company Rexam PLC in July of this year.
The addition of Ed to our team is an indicator of Packtions acceleration and the positive acceptance weve received from the entire packaging industry since our formation in April, said Packtion Co-President Christopher Day. His depth of experience with American National Can will reinforce our packaging leadership role within the consumer goods industry.
In his career, Lapekas has managed metal can, PET, closures and diversified plastics operations in Western and Eastern Europe and led joint ventures into Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Prior to his chairman position at American National Can, he served as senior executive vice president and COO of Pechineys Beverage Worldwide, where he managed beverage can making operations in Europe and Asia, North America, South America and Central America. He joined the company in May 1996 as senior vice president, Beverage Cans Americas. He also served as deputy chairman and COO of Schmalbach-Lubecca, A.G., a majority-owned subsidiary of VIAG, A.G., a diversified manufacturer of metal and plastic packaging. Lapekas began his packaging career at Continental Can in 1971, where he spent 20 years in various strategy, planning, operating and marketing capacities.
Packtion Co-Presidents William McLennan and Christopher Day, who were instrumental in forming the ventures business model, will continue to be responsible for day-to-day operations. The company is currently working with global clients to demonstrate the efficiencies of its proprietary online tools in the package development process.
