PPG Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

PPG has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, marketing, technology, human resources, information systems, and compensation.

Focused on protecting and beautifying the world, PPG delivers advanced coatings and specialty materials through a commitment to sustainable innovation and global operational excellence across seventy countries.

Leadership Roles at PPG

  • Chairman & Chief Executive Officer - Timothy Knavish
  • Chief Marketing Officer (Comex) - Claudia Contreras
  • PPG Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer - David Bem
  • Global Director, Compensation & Assignment Chief of Staff - Jaume Cardona
  • Vice President & Chief Information Officer - Bhaskar Ramachandran
  • Personalwesen - Claudia Trtsch
  • Timothy Knavish - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer

    Timothy Knavish, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at PPG, directs the overarching corporate strategy and global business operations. Knavish oversees the integration of the Architectural, Performance, and Industrial Coatings segments to ensure consistent market growth. By aligning the executive leadership team with the core mission of protecting and beautifying the world, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer drives long-term value for shareholders and customers alike. This leadership role involves navigating complex international markets while maintaining a focus on sustainable manufacturing practices. Timothy Knavish monitors the performance of diverse business units to ensure operational efficiency across seventy countries. Through rigorous oversight of capital allocation and strategic investments, the Chairman & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the competitive position of the organization within the automotive, aerospace, and construction sectors. Knavish maintains a clear vision for future expansion and technological advancement.
    Timothy Knavish

    Claudia Contreras - Chief Marketing Officer (Comex)

    Claudia Contreras, the Chief Marketing Officer (Comex) at PPG, architects brand positioning and consumer engagement strategies for the architectural coatings division. Contreras manages market penetration efforts, specifically focusing on the expansion of the Comex brand within the competitive construction and retail markets. By analyzing consumer behavior and regional demand, the Chief Marketing Officer (Comex) optimizes product visibility and distribution channels. This role requires close collaboration with regional sales teams to ensure marketing initiatives align with the broader corporate goal of delivering high-performance coating solutions. Claudia Contreras drives the development of digital marketing campaigns that highlight the technical superiority and sustainability of the product portfolio. Through the implementation of data-driven insights, the Chief Marketing Officer (Comex) enhances customer loyalty and brand equity. Contreras ensures that all marketing communications reflect the commitment to innovation and quality that defines the global operations of the company.

    David Bem - PPG Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer

    David Bem, the PPG Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at PPG, directs the global research and development initiatives for paints, coatings, and specialty materials. Bem oversees the innovation pipeline, ensuring that new product development addresses the evolving needs of the automotive, aerospace, and packaging industries. By fostering a culture of scientific excellence, the PPG Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer accelerates the transition toward sustainable and high-performance chemical solutions. This leadership role involves managing intellectual property portfolios and collaborating with cross-functional teams to bring advanced materials to market. David Bem monitors emerging technological trends to maintain a competitive edge in the global manufacturing landscape. Through the strategic deployment of R&D resources, the PPG Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer supports the company mission of providing tailored solutions. Bem ensures that technical advancements align with environmental goals and operational efficiency standards.
    David Bem

    Jaume Cardona - Global Director, Compensation & Assignment Chief of Staff

    Jaume Cardona, the Global Director, Compensation & Assignment Chief of Staff at PPG, architects the framework for international talent mobility and executive compensation structures. Cardona manages the complex logistics of global assignments, ensuring that the workforce remains aligned with the operational requirements of seventy countries. By designing competitive reward programs, the Global Director, Compensation & Assignment Chief of Staff attracts and retains top-tier talent necessary for maintaining market leadership. This role involves coordinating with the executive office to streamline administrative processes and enhance organizational agility. Jaume Cardona monitors global labor market trends to ensure that compensation strategies remain equitable and effective across diverse geographic regions. Through the implementation of standardized assignment policies, the Global Director, Compensation & Assignment Chief of Staff supports the seamless integration of international teams. Cardona drives the development of internal systems that facilitate efficient talent deployment and professional growth.

    Bhaskar Ramachandran - Vice President & Chief Information Officer

    Bhaskar Ramachandran, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer at PPG, directs the digital transformation and information technology infrastructure across the global enterprise. Ramachandran oversees the implementation of scalable cloud solutions and cybersecurity protocols that protect the integrity of manufacturing data. By modernizing IT systems, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer enables real-time data analytics that support decision-making in the automotive and industrial coatings segments. This leadership role involves managing large-scale technology projects that enhance operational efficiency and supply chain visibility. Bhaskar Ramachandran monitors the performance of digital platforms to ensure seamless connectivity between regional offices and manufacturing facilities. Through the strategic alignment of technology with business objectives, the Vice President & Chief Information Officer drives innovation in digital customer experiences. Ramachandran ensures that the IT architecture supports the long-term sustainability and growth goals of the entire organization.
    Bhaskar Ramachandran

    Claudia Trtsch - Personalwesen

    Claudia Trtsch, the Personalwesen at PPG, directs human resources strategy and organizational development initiatives. Trtsch oversees talent acquisition, employee relations, and workforce training programs that support the global manufacturing operations. By fostering a culture of inclusivity and professional development, the Personalwesen ensures that the workforce remains capable of meeting the high standards of the coatings and specialty materials industry. This leadership role involves managing performance management systems and ensuring compliance with international labor regulations. Claudia Trtsch monitors employee engagement metrics to identify areas for organizational improvement and cultural alignment. Through the implementation of strategic HR policies, the Personalwesen supports the overall mission of the company by building a resilient and skilled team. Trtsch drives the development of internal programs that promote safety, innovation, and operational excellence across all business segments, ensuring that human capital remains a core driver of success.

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding PPG Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads PPG?
    PPG is led by Timothy Knavish (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Claudia Contreras (Chief Marketing Officer (Comex)) and David Bem (PPG Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer).
    Who is part of PPG’s executive team?
    The executive team of PPG includes leaders such as Timothy Knavish (Chairman & Chief Executive Officer), Claudia Contreras (Chief Marketing Officer (Comex)), David Bem (PPG Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does PPG have?
    PPG has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in PPG’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of PPG includes roles such as Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Marketing Officer (Comex), PPG Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Global Director, Compensation & Assignment Chief of Staff, Vice President & Chief Information Officer.