Global paint and speciality materials company PPG has lined up Joe Gette as its next general counsel, replacing Anne Foulkes when she steps down at the start of next year.
Gette is currently the company’s deputy GC and secretary, a role he has held since 2022. Upon his promotion, he will take on Foulkes’ responsibilities as PPG’s top lawyer, as well as joining its operating and executive committees. In the new role he will report directly to PPG chairman and CEO Tim Knavish.
Pittsburgh-based PPG owns several paint, coating and materials brands, including Glidden in the US, Johnstone’s in the UK and Comex in Mexico. It operates in more than 70 countries and generated revenue of $15.8bn last year.
Knavish said: “Joe has provided invaluable legal counsel to our businesses and for many of our acquisitions and divestitures throughout his two decades with PPG. His vast experience and proven leadership capabilities have helped PPG drive its transformation forward. Joe has a wealth of experience in many areas of law and has consistently provided valuable and practical counsel across the organisation.”
Gette arrived at PPG in 2005 from K&L Gates. He initially joined as assistant counsel, before being promoted to senior counsel and later assistant GC for M&A and securities prior to taking on his current role.
Foulkes, meanwhile, is exiting the company after 30 years, spending the past seven of them as GC. She was previously a litigation attorney at Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott in Pittsburgh. She will remain on at PPG as senior vice president for legal and special projects until August next year to help ensure a smooth transition.
Knavish added: “On behalf of the PPG leadership team, I want to congratulate Anne on an outstanding career and thank her for her dedication and many contributions to PPG. Anne’s extensive background and experience counselling various PPG functions and business units over the years have been invaluable.
“Her leadership extends beyond legal counsel as a valued member of the company’s operating and executive committees. She also serves as a trusted confidant and mentor to many PPG employees as well as an executive sponsor and advocate of our employee resource groups.”
Earlier this month, US home construction giant Lennar hired Hertz GC Katherine Lee Martin as its next chief legal officer, replacing Mark Sustana who is retiring in September.
Email your news and story ideas to: [email protected]
