PPG appoints Peter Votruba-Drzal as vice president-elect, global sustainability; Diane Kappas to retire

Rhea-AI Summary

PPG (NYSE:PPG) appoints Peter Votruba-Drzal as vice president-elect, global sustainability, effective immediately, as Diane Kappas, current vice president, global sustainability, announces her retirement effective July 1, 2024. Votruba-Drzal will collaborate cross-functionally to drive sustainability efforts, focusing on increasing sales of sustainable products and reducing environmental impact. He brings extensive technical and management experience, having led various business segments and contributed to innovation and growth. Kappas, with nearly 40 years at PPG, held leadership roles and was instrumental in sustainability initiatives. PPG reported net sales of $17.7 billion in 2022, operating in over 70 countries.

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- PPG (NYSE:PPG) today announced that Peter Votruba-Drzal will become vice president-elect, global sustainability, effective immediately. Diane Kappas, current vice president, global sustainability has announced her intention to retire from PPG, effective July 1, 2024.

PPG announced that Peter Votruba-Drzal will become vice president-elect, global sustainability, effective immediately. (Photo: Business Wire)

Votruba-Drzal, who will report to Irene Tasi, PPG senior vice president and chief growth officer, will collaborate cross-functionally to drive the company’s sustainability efforts, including increasing sales of sustainably advantaged products, creating increased value for customers, and reducing the environmental impact of PPG operations.

Votruba-Drzal joined PPG in 2005, following a role as a materials researcher at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Throughout his tenure at PPG, he has held various technical and technical management roles of increasing responsibility, including supporting six different businesses with a focus on harnessing innovation to drive growth. Since 2022, he has led the technical activities for PPG's architectural coatings and traffic solutions businesses. Prior to this role, Votruba-Drzal led the research and product development activities for PPG’s mobility initiatives in addition to the Automotive and Industrial Coatings segments.

Beyond his professional achievements, Votruba-Drzal serves as the board chair for the Sarah Heinz House and contributes as an industrial advisory member to Arizona State University’s Sustainable Macromolecular Materials and Manufacturing Center and Michigan State University’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan State University, a Master of Science degree from the University of Maryland, and a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University.

“In addition to continuing to integrate sustainability into all facets of how we operate, PPG remains steadfast in our commitment to develop innovative paints, coatings and specialty materials and sustainable solutions that create value for our customers, shareholders and other stakeholders,” said Tasi. “Peter’s diverse experience at PPG will further strengthen our capabilities and drive growth in this critical area. We thank Diane for her many important contributions in sustainability and in several leadership roles across PPG, congratulate her on a successful career, and wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”

Kappas has nearly 40 years of experience at PPG and held general management roles, including leading the protective and marine coatings and automotive coatings businesses in the Americas region and operational leadership roles in sustainability, manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, human resources, and environment, health and safety (EHS) during her career. An avid believer in diversity, equity and inclusion, Kappas was the founder of PPG’s Women’s Leadership Council and a founding member of the LGBTQ Council. She was named PPG’s first vice president, global sustainability in 2021. Kappas earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Business Administration degree from Duquesne University.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®

At PPG (NYSE: PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings, and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $17.7 billion in 2022. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets, and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

The PPG Logo and We protect and beautify the world are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

CATEGORY Corporate

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240108763264/en/

Mark Silvey

Corporate Communications

silvey@ppg.com

Source: PPG

FAQ

Who is the new vice president of global sustainability at PPG?

Peter Votruba-Drzal is the new vice president-elect, global sustainability at PPG.

When will Diane Kappas retire from PPG?

Diane Kappas will retire from PPG effective July 1, 2024.

What are Peter Votruba-Drzal's responsibilities at PPG?

Votruba-Drzal will drive sustainability efforts, focusing on increasing sales of sustainable products and reducing environmental impact.

How much did PPG report in net sales in 2022?

PPG reported net sales of $17.7 billion in 2022.

In how many countries does PPG operate and innovate?

PPG operates and innovates in more than 70 countries.

What is PPG's ticker symbol?

PPG's ticker symbol is PPG and it is listed on the NYSE.

Where can I find the full press release?

The full press release can be found at https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240108763264/en/PPG announced that Peter Votruba-Drzal will become vice president-elect, global sustainability, effective immediately.