Dave Cole.
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PITTSBURGH—PPG announced that Dave Cole, vice president, architectural coatings, U.S. and Canada plans to retire, effective July 31, 2019. He will be succeeded by Jaime Irick, who previously served as president of the life fitness division of Brunswick Corp., a maker of commercial fitness equipment. Cole joined PPG’s chemicals business in 1981 and held various sales positions in the chlor-alkali and specialty chemicals businesses through 1990, when he moved to Transitions Optical, PPG’s former joint venture with Essilor International.

Starting as sales and marketing manager, Americas, Cole advanced to become director of sales and business development, Americas, and then general manager, Americas, Australia and New Zealand, before being named president of Transitions Optical in 2011. In 2014, Cole rejoined PPG as vice president, packaging coatings, and he was named vice president, AC USCA, in December 2015.

“During his 38-year career with PPG, Dave has delivered tremendous value to employees, customers, shareholders and communities,” said Tim Knavish, PPG senior vice president, architectural coatings and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa. “He is widely known for his excellent leadership, employee engagement, customer focus, strategic vision and innovation capabilities. In addition, Dave’s high-energy and engaging personality have made him not only a trusted colleague, but also a friend to many throughout PPG.”

Last year, the Lab Division of The Vision Council presented Cole with its Directors’ Choice Award, honoring his more than 26 years in the optical industry, as “a champion for game-changing technology, and as a terrific partner to optical labs.”