Editor’s note: The following industry professionals have recently received promotions or appointments. To submit your company’s personnel news for possible publication in CoatingsTech, email publications@paint.org with “Names in the News” in the subject line.
January Names in the News Digital
The allnex Advisory Committee has appointed Anish K. Taneja as CEO. Taneja is joining allnex from Johnson Matthey PLC where he most recently served as the CEO of Clean Air & Hydrogen Technologies and as chair of the Group Commercial Council. Taneja is a board member of the German Association of the Automotive Industry and has served as president of the German Rubber Industry Association, and as a board member of Hydrogen Europe.
Syensqo announced that Mike Radossich has assumed the role of CEO and member of the Board of Directors. Radossich will be responsible for steering Syensqo’s next phase as the company continues to focus on creating value for its stakeholders; accelerating sustainable, profitable growth; and driving long-term performance. He succeeds Ilham Kadri, who will continue as a special advisor.
AkzoNobel announced that Maarten de Vries, who had planned to retire in April, has agreed to extend his tenure as CFO for one year to support the planned merger with Axalta. The extension of his term as a member of the Board of Management will be proposed for shareholder approval at the April 2026 AGM.
The Hempel A/S Board of Directors has announced that Michael Hansen, group president and CEO, has resigned. In accordance with the company’s succession plans, the board has initiated a search for his successor. Until the appointment is finalized, Hansen will continue to lead the company alongside Hempel’s Executive Group Management team to advance the company’s strategic priorities.
PPG announced that Vincent (Vince) J. Morales, senior vice president and CFO, will retire July 1, 2026. A veteran of the company for over 40 years, Morales is a member and secretary of PPG’s operating committee and member of the executive committee. A global internal and external search is underway.
Other company changes include the retirement of Adriana Macouzet, vice president of PPG Latin America, and general manager, Protective and Marine Coatings (PMC), Latin America, effective April 30, 2026.
Jennifer Solcz, vice president, protective and marine coatings, United States and Canada (USCA) will be vice president, PMC, Americas effective April 30, 2026.
Javier Sosa Mejía, vice president, Architectural Coatings, Latin America and president, PPG Comex, will expand his responsibilities as president, PPG Latin America.
Barentz has named Sertaç Sürür as president EMEA. Sürür most recently served as CEO Asia Pacific for Azelis. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Istanbul Technical University in Türkiye and an MBA in International Business from National University in California.
Evonik has appointed Elias Lacerda president of the Americas region, effective February 1. He succeeds Guido Skudlarek, who recently assumed global leadership of Evonik’s Health Care business line in the United States.
Lacerda most recently served as head of Evonik’s Coating Additives business line at the company’s headquarters in Essen, Germany. From 2018 to 2022, Lacerda was president of the Central and South America region, which has since been merged with North America to form the Americas region. A native Brazilian, Lacerda holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Business Administration.
Evonik has also appointed Jacob Shevrin as global director of Strategic Product Management. In this new role, he will be based in Frankfurt, Germany. Shevrin previously served as director of Technical Marketing and Applied Technology, for the Americas Functional Silanes team.
Huntsman Corporation has named Amy Smedley as executive vice president, general counsel, and secretary. She succeeds David Stryker, who is retiring. Smedley has strong legal and leadership experience, most recently serving as executive vice president and chief legal officer at Savage Companies since 2022. She previously spent 16 years with Huntsman in a series of senior legal roles, ultimately serving as vice president and deputy general counsel.
IMCD has announced that Emmanuel Colette will assume global leadership of its Business Group Food & Nutrition, effective March 1. Colette will also retain his current responsibilities as managing director, IMCD France. He succeeds Marc van Gerwen, who is retiring after a 38-year career in the chemicals and ingredients industry.
IMCD has also named Christoph Garbotz as managing director for Germany, responsible for the management of the Germany, Austria, Southeast Europe, and Switzerland region. Most recently he served as director principal management for the company’s Pharmaceuticals Business Group.
The ChemQuest Group announced the appointment of two Netherlands-based directors. Erwin Wild and Ruud van der Erden. Wild has held leadership roles at Huntsman Advanced Materials, CVC Thermoset Specialties, AGC Chemicals Europe, and Kemira. He holds a B.S. in chemical engineering and organic chemistry from Saxion University, as well as an E.M.B.A. through the Helsinki School of Economics.
Ruud van der Eerden has more than 35 years of leadership experience in global strategy, sales, marketing, technology, regulatory, and business management of specialty resins and polymers in CASE and other markets. Van der Eerden earned a B.S. in Chemical Technology from HTS Dordrecht.
Sheboygan Paint Company has named Robert Steebhas as Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) manager. In this role, Steebhas will design, develop, implement, and oversee the organization’s EHS programs and procedures to safeguard employees and surrounding communities. Steebhas has 25 years of EHS experience across a number of industries, including chemicals, EV batteries, food, and packaging.
R.E. Carroll Inc. has announced that its vice president, David Carroll, has been accepted into the 2026 class for Executive Leaders by the Alliance for Chemical Distribution. The program for established executives and emerging leaders focuses on practical tools to strengthen communication, sharpen strategic decision-making, and enhance advocacy