PPG announces global leadership changes
PPG Industries has appointed David Bem as vice president, science and technology, and chief technology officer-elect (CTO-elect) effective from 16 November 2015.
Bem joins PPG from Dow Chemical, where he was vice president, research and development (R&D), consumer solutions and infrastructure solutions. His earlier positions with Dow include global R&D director, core R&D global R&D director, Dow Automotive Systems; and R&D director, hydrocarbons energy, chemicals and alternative feedstock. Prior to working at Dow, Bem held R&D leadership roles at Celanese Corp. and UOP LLC (a Honeywell company formerly known as Universal Oil Products).
‘David’s results-driven experience in leading global R&D organisations and his strong track record of launching innovative products across various technology platforms and business units will be invaluable assets to PPG,’ said Michael McGarry, PPG president and CEO.
In the CTO role, Bem will succeed Charles Kahle II, who has announced plans to retire effective 1 March 2016. Kahle, current CTO and vice president, coatings R&D, joined PPG in 1987 as a research chemist before progressing through several research assignments and being named vice president, coatings R&D in 2007, and in 2008 assuming the additional role of chief technology officer.
