NEW YORK (AP) -- Intertape Polymer Group Inc., a Canadian company that makes plastic and paper packaging products, Thursday named Bernard J. Pitz as its new chief financial officer.

Pitz, 49, a financial manager who begins his new duties immediately, is preceded by Vic DiTommaso. A certified public accountant, DiTommaso became Intertape Polymer's CFO two years ago.

"Bernie is a highly experienced CFO with proven leadership skills and has a strong track record of a definite hands-on approach," said Eric E. Baker, board chairman. "He further strengthens Intertape's management team and we look forward to benefiting from his broad knowledge."

The company, which has administrative headquarters in Bradenton, Fla., employs about 2,100 employees with operations in 17 locations, including 13 manufacturing facilities in North America and one in Europe.

In afternoon trading, shares fell 16 cents, or 8.6 percent, to $1.71.