PPG inducts five new members into Collegium association, recognizing technology innovations aligned to growth

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--PPG (NYSE:PPG) today announced the induction of five new members into its Collegium, an association of longstanding PPG leaders who have made significant technological contributions that support PPG’s growth, innovation, and longevity.

“We are honored to recognize the great minds of PPG that allow us to serve our customers better today than yesterday, every day,” said David Bem, PPG senior vice president, science and technology and chief technology officer. “This year’s inductees have made important contributions throughout their remarkable careers and will pave the way for future innovators at PPG.”

The inductees are:

• Sue Campbell: Campbell worked to transform the Pittsburgh analytical organization into one that influences PPG’s businesses globally. Her major technical contributions include developing new methods that helped improve the characterization of polymeric materials. This work supported new product development and provided a better understanding of commercial raw materials, as well as their manufacturing.

• Khushroo Lakdawala: Lakdawala’s education and expertise in the aerospace transparencies business makes him a valuable asset to PPG. He currently oversees all engineering and science and technology activities and holds 20 granted U.S. patents and several pending patents covering a wide range of technologies. Lakdawala is a recognized leader in the aerospace industry for transparencies.

• Patrick O’Neill: O’Neill was a co-inventor of a patent for lead-free electrocoat technology. He was also key in helping establish and translate operations for the PPG-Kansai automotive coatings alliance. He held several global product management roles, championing technologies such as electrocoats with high “throwpower” – the ability to be deposited in recessed areas. O’Neill was also the global technical director of PPG’s Packaging Coatings business, leading a team through a number of significant BPA-NI (bisphenol-A non-intent) conversions.

• Krishna Uprety: Uprety’s innovations have generated numerous commercial and military opportunities for PPG. He was granted 27 patents throughout his career, including 18 in the past 10 years. He has worked with a broad range of external collaborators, including the U.S. Navy, Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.

• Rob Walters: Walters has 56 U.S. patents spanning multiple technological fields including photochromic dyes and coatings, electrochromic materials and devices, and organic light-emitting diode (OLED) materials. He was a key contributor to the early-stage development of UniversalPHOLED® materials as part of PPG’s longstanding partnership with Universal Display Corporation. Walters is the team leader for TRANSITIONS® lenses core product development, including formulation, polymer and photochromic dye design. He has also led the development of photochromic dyes for multiple generations of Transitions products.

PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®

At PPG (NYSE: PPG), we work every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings, and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70 countries and reported net sales of $18.2 billion in 2023. We serve customers in construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation markets, and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.

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Transitions is a registered trademark of Transitions Optical, Inc.

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