PPG appoints Kappas as vice president, environment, health and safety

McGarry, senior vice president, Commodity Chemicals. Kappas will succeed John Richter, who has been named vice president, operations, coatings, Asia/Pacific, at PPG’s China headquarters in Shanghai.



As vice president, EHS, Kappas will lead all aspects of PPG’s global environmental affairs including product stewardship, health, safety, compliance assurance and the corporate medical function. She also will provide leadership for PPG’s corporate sustainability programs.



“To this role, Diane brings extensive experience in PPG’s manufacturing and commercial operations, including broad exposure to many EHS programs and concepts,” McGarry said. “In addition, Diane’s background will serve the company well as we continue to develop our sustainability programs and grow our businesses around the world.”



Kappas joined PPG in 1986 as an engineer trainee in industrial coatings. She progressed through a series of coatings manufacturing roles at PPG sites in Springdale, Pa., Oak Creek, Wis., Dover, Del., and East Point, Ga. In 1998, Kappas was named manager, corporate diversity, and in 2001, she became plant manager of the Barberton, Ohio, specialty chemicals facility. In 2004, she became director, supply chain, automotive replacement glass and North America refinish, and in 2007, she assumed her current assignment as business director, TESLIN(R) products, in the silicas business.



Kappas earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master of Business Administration degree from Duquesne University.



PPG: BRINGING INNOVATION TO THE SURFACE.(TM)

PPG Industries' vision is to continue to be the world’s leading coatings and specialty products company. Through leadership in innovation, sustainability and color, PPG helps customers in industrial, transportation, consumer products, and construction markets and aftermarkets to enhance more surfaces in more ways than does any other company. Founded in 1883, PPG has global headquarters in Pittsburgh and operates in more than 60 countries around the world. Sales in 2010 were $13.4 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.