Axalta Renames Transportation Coatings Division

Axalta Coating Systems Ltd. (NYSE: AXTA) announced that Vice President Steve Markevich, who has successfully managed the Global Transportation Coatings business unit since 2013 and the China region since 2016, has departed from Axalta. Axalta also announced that, effective 12 October 2020, Hadi Awada will join Axalta as Senior Vice President of the Global Transportation Coatings business unit. Awada will manage Axalta's global light vehicle and commercial vehicle coatings business units. Axalta CEO Robert Bryant stated, "I want to thank Steve for his many accomplishments at Axalta. In short, without Steve's intensive contributions over the past seven years, Axalta would not be in its current position. Steve brought our Transportation business unit to its current position as an industry leader. Steve and the team he built achieved major commercial successes, made significant strides in our China operations, and facilitated our entry into the automotive interior coatings field. For an effective transition, Steve will remain part of the Axalta team until 2 November. [caption id="attachment_105064" align="aligncenter"] Axalta Hadi Awada[/caption]   I am very excited about Hadi joining Axalta and our leadership team. Hadi will play an important role as we aim to grow and strengthen Axalta's Transportation Coatings business unit. Hadi focuses on the impressive track record of leading businesses that have commercially evolved to serve customers. Hadi is also focused on developing genuine customer relationships and is a passionate leader.

I am confident that Hadi and our extraordinary leadership team in the transportation coatings business unit will further accelerate the growth of our global light vehicle and commercial vehicle businesses in both current and underserved nearby regions in the transportation industry," he stated.

Awada joins Axalta from Faurecia, a premier automotive technology company, where he held various positions with increasing responsibility at his previous company. Most recently, he served as President of Clean Mobility North America and Member of Faurecia's North America Board of Directors. In this role, Awada managed a multi-billion dollar business and led initiatives to develop and implement new technologies for customers seeking sustainability and innovation. Awada previously held various positions including Vice President responsible for Faurecia's China emissions control technology business in Germany, the United Kingdom and Asia. Awada began his career at Ford Motor Company after obtaining a BA degree from the University of Toledo. Awada stated, "Axalta's entrepreneurial spirit is what drew me to this position. I eagerly look forward to helping Axalta identify new and emerging opportunities to develop products and services to meet the constantly evolving needs of our paint customers." Markevich stated, "I have had the honor of working with an exceptionally dedicated, hardworking and determined professional team, from the initial public offering process to putting our business on track. I know our business unit is in great hands and on the right path, and I look forward to following its continued success."