PPG appoints Niekamp vice president, automotive coatings

She is based at the company’s Troy, Mich., automotive technology center and reports directly to William A. Wulfsohn, senior vice president, coatings. Niekamp joins PPG from BorgWarner Inc., where she led the global TorqTransfer Systems business.

Niekamp began her career with General Motors, progressing through production supervisory and engineering positions with the Delco Moraine division. She moved to France as resident controller, wheel brake systems, and then returned to the United States in 1989 as plant manager, anti-lock braking systems, Delco Moraine division.

In 1990, Niekamp joined TRW Automotive Inc., where her last position was as managing director, transportation systems. She then joined Mead Corp. in 1995 as vice president, corporate strategy and planning, and became president, specialty paper division, in 1998. Following the 2002 merger of Mead with Westvaco Corp., Niekamp served as senior vice president, strategy and specialty operations, and then as senior vice president and chief financial officer for MeadWestvaco until 2004.

"At a time of significant industry challenge, we look forward to having Cindy’s experienced leadership for this important PPG business," Wulfsohn said.

Niekamp earned an industrial engineering degree from Purdue University and a master of business administration degree from Harvard University.

About PPG

Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of paints, coatings, chemicals, optical products, specialty materials, glass and fiber glass. The company has more than 150 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates and operates in more than 60 countries. PPG shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: PPG). For more information, visit www.ppg.com.