PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG) today announced that it had named
Pierre-Marie De Leener, former chief executive officer (CEO) of
SigmaKalon Group, as PPG senior vice president, architectural
coatings, Europe/Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The company stated
that it had formed a new PPG strategic business unit (SBU),
architectural coatings, EMEA, which will also be its own reporting
segment. De Leener will report to Charles E. Bunch, PPG chairman and
chief executive officer, and has joined PPG´s Operating Committee.
This announcement follows PPG´s earlier announcement today that it had
completed the acquisition of SigmaKalon Group, a worldwide coatings
producer based in Uithoorn, Netherlands, from global private
investment firm Bain Capital.
"Pierre-Marie is a proven leader whose background, expertise and
insights will be a competitive advantage as PPG expands into
additional markets around the world," said Bunch. "His business will
be its own reporting segment to enhance transparency regarding the
performance of the SigmaKalon acquisition."
A native of Antwerp, Belgium, De Leener joined Sigma Coatings
Group, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in 1997 as chief operating officer
(COO). He subsequently became CEO of Sigma Coatings Group in 1998 and
CEO of the SigmaKalon Group in 1999.
Before joining Sigma, De Leener was general manager at Fina
Research, Feluy, Belgium; CEO, Fina Italiana and Refinery, Rome; COO,
Fina Italiana; regional manager, Fina Oil and Chemicals Company,
Texas; marketing planning manager, Fina Oil and Chemicals; manager of
production operations, Zairep, Zaire; and analyst at PetroFina,
Brussels, Belgium.
He earned a master´s degree in chemical engineering and
complementary bachelor´s degrees in economical science and
philosophical science all at the Catholic University of Louvain,
Belgium, and he has participated in wide-ranging post-graduate
courses. De Leener´s native language is French, but he also speaks
English, Italian, Dutch and Spanish.
About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings,
chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber
glass. The company employs more than 34,000 people and has 125
manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in more than 25
countries. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange
(symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.
