Robert W. Alspaugh, former chief executive officer of KPMG International, was elected today to the Ball Corporation (NYSE: BLL) board of directors during the board's regular meeting. Alspaugh worked at KPMG International for 36 years and was responsible for implementing the company's global strategy in 150 countries.
Bob Alspaugh 's background working with a diverse array of clients across many industries, including manufacturing, and his global expertise will benefit Ball as we continue to expand our business in new and developing markets, said R. David Hoover, chairman, president and chief executive officer. We are pleased to welcome Bob to Ball, and look forward to gaining from his extensive experience.
Alspaugh, 60, is on the boards of Autoliv Inc., a worldwide leader in automotive safety systems based in Stockholm, and Fritz Institute, non-profit organization based in San Francisco that works in partnership with governments, non-profit organizations and corporations to facilitate rapid and effective disaster response and recovery.
Ball's board of directors also authorized the repurchase by the company of up to a total of 12 million shares of its common stock. This repurchase authorization replaces all previous authorizations.
Additionally, Ball's board of directors declared a dividend on the company's common stock of 10 cents per share, payable March 17, 2008, to shareholders of record on March 3, 2008.
