PPG Industries, Pittsburg, Pa., USA, has appointed Michael H. McGarry, currently EVP, to COO, effective August 1. McGarry will have executive oversight responsibility for all of PPG’s strategic business units and operating regions and for the information technology (IT), environment health and safety (EH&S), and purchasing functions. He will remain based at PPG’s global headquarters in Pittsburgh and will continue to report to Chairman and CEO Charles E. Bunch. 

 

"Michael’s experience and leadership have been instrumental in driving PPG’s transformation into the world’s leading coatings and specialty materials company," Bunch said. "In this new role, Michael’s proven operational expertise and demonstrated ability to implement our business strategies will play a key role in our continued focus to deliver increased shareholder value." 

 

During his 33 years with PPG, McGarry has served in a variety of key business and functional leadership roles in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. In addition, he helped lead several strategic actions that have transformed PPG’s business portfolio, most notably the acquisition of SigmaKalon, the separation of PPG’s former commodity chemicals business, the acquisition of AkzoNobel’s North American architectural coatings business, and, most recently, the announced agreement to acquire Consorcio Comex S.A. de C.V. 

 

McGarry joined PPG in 1981 as an engineer at the company’s Lake Charles, La., chemicals complex. He then progressed through a series of management assignments of increasing responsibility, including market development manager (silica products), operations manager (silicas, Thailand), business manager (TESLIN sheet), and product manager in the derivatives, chlorine, and liquid and dry caustic soda businesses. 

 

McGarry was named GM, fine chemicals in 2000, and VP, chlor-alkali and derivatives in 2004. He was elected VP, coatings, Europe and managing director, PPG Europe in 2006, and SVP, commodity chemicals in 2008. He was named EVP in September 2012.