Dan Knight to Join Axalta as Vice President and General Manager of Dura Coat Products

Dan Knight will join Axalta Coating Systems in its Industrial Coatings segment as the Vice President and General Manager for Dura Coat Products.

Axalta purchased a majority stake in Dura Coat this past summer and will acquire the remaining outstanding shares by January 2019, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Founded in 1986, Dura Coat has developed a leadership position in the market via its singular focus on overcoming customer challenges through innovation. Well-known Dura Coat brands include Durapon, Ceranamel and the XT series of specialty coatings.

“Product innovation has always been Dura Coat’s key strength,” says Dr. Myung K. Hong, President of Dura Coat Products. “With the synergies that are possible through the acquisition, we welcome Dan to lead the smooth integration of the two companies. We continue to be vigilant about our customer service while looking forward to increased product research and development.”

Dan comes to Axalta with 25 years of experience in sales, marketing and R&D management in the coil and extrusion coatings markets. Dan will work directly with Dr. Hong to continue to integrate the Dura Coat business into Axalta while working to expand the business both in North America and globally. Key priorities for Dan and the management team of Dura Coat will be maintaining the product innovation and exceptional customer service that Dura Coat is well known for, while taking advantage of the significant synergies that Axalta offers Dura Coat.