PPG announces leadership appointments

PPG has appointed Rebecca Liebert as Senior Vice President, Automotive Coatings, effective June 25.

Liebert, who will report to PPG chairman and CEO, Michael McGarry, will also oversee the Latin America region and will join the company’s operating committee.

In this role, Liebert will succeed Gary Danowski, current Vice President, Automotive Coatings, who will become Vice President, Global Automotive Refinish, effective July 1.

Danowski will replace John Outcalt, who has announced his intent to retire, effective August 1.

Liebert joins PPG from Honeywell UOP, where she served as President and Chief Executive Officer.

"Rebecca’s wide-ranging experience and proven leadership capabilities will be invaluable for the automotive OEM coatings business,” said McGarry.

"Gary’s leadership skills, his perspective and his knowledge of the refinish business will serve him well in this new assignment.”

Danowski joined PPG in 1982 as a Production Engineer at a former automotive glass fabrication plant.

In 2011, Danowski relocated to PPG’s European headquarters in Rolle, Switzerland, for his role as Vice President, Automotive Refinish, EMEA; and in 2017 became Vice President, Automotive Coatings.

During his 35-year career with PPG, Outcalt has held positions of increasing responsibility in the automotive OEM coatings and automotive refinish businesses.

Outcalt joined PPG’s automotive OEM coatings business in 1983 as Marketing Services Manager.

In 2007, Outcalt was named Vice President, Automotive Refinish, Americas, and in 2010, his role was expanded to encompass global responsibility for the refinish business.

"John’s capacity for building relationships with our refinish distributors, as well as his passion for results made him a key executive in contributing to the company’s success,” added McGarry.

"PPG is a better company today because of the industry-leading global refinish business that John has nurtured and grown during his tenure.”