The following industry professionals have recently received appointments or promotions.
PPG Appoints Alisha Bellezza Vice President, Global Automotive Coatings
Alisha Bellezza
PPG has announced the appointment of Alisha Bellezza as vice president, global Automotive Coatings, effective July 17. Bellezza will report to Kevin Braun, PPG senior vice president, Industrial Coatings segment, and succeed Vincent Robin, who has announced his intent to retire, effective July 31.
In her new role, Bellezza will support PPG’s efforts related to improving sustainability for automotive customers, focus on driving expansion in the mobility sector, and contribute to the company’s growth.
“Alisha is a proven, growth-minded leader with deep knowledge of the paint and coatings industry. Her executive leadership experience coupled with her broad expertise in commercial, operations, and supply chain functions make her an ideal leader to drive further success and development for our automotive coatings business,” said Braun.
Bellezza joins PPG after eight years at Chemours, where she most recently served as president, thermal and specialized solutions, and was also a member of the executive team.
Ana Henriques Appointed Head of Decorative at Hempel
Effective August 1, Hempel A/S has appointed Ana Henriques as executive vice president, head of Decorative.
Henriques joins Hempel from the position of global vice president, head of global non-alcoholic business, at AB InBev, a brewing company. She will be relocating to Denmark from the United States.
“We are really pleased to be able to attract an experienced executive like Ana to the Hempel Group,” said Michael Hansen, group president and CEO, Hempel A/S. “With her extensive experience in leading and growing brands globally, I am confident that Ana will add new perspectives to our decorative business, and I am excited to welcome her to Hempel and the Executive Group Management.”
Henriques will head up Hempel’s Decorative business, which includes brands like Farrow & Ball, Crown Paints, Wattyl, Renaulac, and J.W. Ostendorf.
She succeeds Joe Devitt, who has decided to retire after more than 30 years with Crown Paints and Hempel.
Dipan Haria
Dipan Haria Named a Director at ChemQuest
The ChemQuest Group has announced that Dipan Haria has joined the company as a director.
ChemQuest says that Haria is an experienced leader who has focused on operational and business management and strategic planning. He will support ChemQuest’s Business Strategy & Transformation, M&A Advisory Services, and Operational & Manufacturing Efficiencies pillars.
Haria most recently served as business director for Sherwin-Williams AF EMEA, where he was responsible for the aftermarket division’s accelerated growth in the region. Following Sherwin-Williams’ acquisition of Valspar Corp., he managed the integration of the acquired division within EMEA.
“The combination of Dipan’s accomplished career in multiple industries and his considerable background in consulting is a great asset for ChemQuest. I’m looking forward to his contributions across a number of client projects, particularly as we continue to expand in Europe,” said Daniel Murad, ChemQuest, CEO.
Micro Powders Appoints Marc Chan as Director of Business and Market Development
Marc Chan
Micro Powders, Inc. (MPI) has announced that Marc Chan has joined the company as director of business and market development for their industrial division.
In this newly created role, Chan will be responsible for identifying markets to grow MPI’s sales beyond their existing core paints, inks, and coatings business. This initiative will be a combination of developing and nurturing existing niche markets, as well as establishing new growth businesses in additional industries where the company’s advanced particle technology could offer differentiated performance and value.
Chan has worked for companies that include Clariant, Croda, and Henkel Corporation in strategic planning and execution. In addition, he is on the board of directors for the Eastern Coatings Show.
“Mark’s background in coatings, lubricants, adhesives, and automotive markets makes him perfectly qualified to lead this program. We are excited to have Marc join the MPI team and take our business to a new level,” said Rich Czarnecki, vice president, MPI.
Palmer Holland Announces Changes to Commercial Teams
Palmer Holland has announced an expansion in roles and personnel to its commercial teams. The company appointed John Battaglia as business director of lubricants, Tony Denton as senior business director of plastics, John Outcalt as business director of CASE, and Dave Ruggieri as principal management director of CASE.
Eric Kielts retired from his position as business director of lubricants on July 1. He will remain at Palmer Holland, supporting the Lubricant Team in a limited capacity.
Battaglia, who succeeded Kielts as business director of lubricants, joined Palmer Holland in 2012 and has held leadership positions on the company’s sales and principal management sides.
Denton, who joined Palmer Holland in 2009, has been promoted to senior business director of plastics from business director of the Plastics Team.
Outcalt has been promoted to business director of CASE to fill the role vacated by recently promoted Ron Zmich, who is SVP of Industrial Specialties. He joined Palmer Holland in 2011 as an account manager in the then newly-formed Southeast Region.
Ruggieri, who has been promoted to principal management director of CASE, has nearly 30 years of chemical industry and business development experience. He was previously the business manager for CASE. He will assume a formal leadership role with the Business Management Team.