• Login
    • Join
  • FOLLOW:
  • Subscribe Free
    • Magazine
    • eNewsletter
    Checkout
    • Magazine
    • News
    • Research
    • Markets & Technologies
    • Raw Materials
    • Top Companies
    • Directories
    • Jobs
    • Events
    • Microsites
    • More
  • Magazine
  • News
  • Research
  • Markets & Technologies
  • Raw Materials
  • Top Companies
  • Directories
  • Jobs
  • Events
  • Microsites
  • Current / Back Issues
    Features
    Business Corner
    Editorial
    Digital Edition
    eNewsletter Archive
    Our Team
    Editorial Guidelines
    Subscribe Now
    Advertise Now
    World Reports
    eBook
    Top Features
    Aerospace Coatings Market

    Energy Curing and Coil Coatings

    Lab/Testing Equipment Update

    High Performance and Special Effect Pigments

    The Wood Coatings Market
    Breaking News
    Online Exclusives
    Distributor News
    Financial News
    Paint & Coatings Manufacturer News
    People In the News
    Price Increases
    Product News
    Raw Materials & Equipment
    Video Bites
    Suppliers News
    Live From Shows
    Top News
    BASF Introduces Reactive Polyethylene Glycol Pluriol A 2400 I in Europe

    Teknos Unveils Next-Gen Interior Coatings at Ligna 2025

    ICP Group Appoints Todd Brown as VP of Operations

    Hempel Receives Its Best-Ever ESG Rating by EcoVadis

    New President & CEO Announced for the Canadian Coatings Association
    Top Companies report
    Market Research
    White Papers / Tech Papers
    Technical Papers
    Product Spec Sheets
    World Reports
    Adhesives and Sealants
    Aerospace Coatings
    Architectural Coatings
    Automotive Coatings
    Automotive Refinish
    Business Operation
    Color Trends & Forecast
    Construction Chemicals
    Corrosion Control
    Industrial Coatings
    Laboratory Equipment
    Marine Coatings
    Market Trends & Forecast
    Powder Coatings
    Production Equipment
    Radcure Coatings
    Special Purpose Coatings
    Wood Coatings
    "Green" Coatings

    Teknos Unveils Next-Gen Interior Coatings at Ligna 2025

    PPG Launches Clearcoats for Premium Collision Repair Segments

    PPG To Invest $380 Million in Aerospace Coatings Facility

    AkzoNobel Working with BASF to Lower Carbon Footprint of High-volume Paint Products

    BASF Coatings Expands Business with Biomass-balanced Products
    Additives
    Binders
    Pigments
    Solvents

    BASF Introduces Reactive Polyethylene Glycol Pluriol A 2400 I in Europe

    BASF Becomes First Producer of Renewable Ammonia in Central Europe

    BASF's Intermediates Division Converts European Amines Portfolio to 100% Renewable Electricity

    High Performance and Special Effect Pigments

    Strategic Value Partners and Blantyre Capital Acquire OQ Chemical
    Company Capabilities
    Buyers Guide
    Distributor Guide
    Add New Company
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Siltech Corporation

    Shepherd Color Company, The

    WAB US Corp

    Vibrantz Technologies

    Evonik Corporation
    Industry Events
    Webinars
    Live From Show Event
    Top Events
    RadTech 2025 UV+EB Technology Expo & Conference

    Canadian Coatings Conference

    Paintistanbul & Turkcoat Congress and Exhibition

    Great Lakes Coatings Conference

    Coatings Expo Vietnam 2025
    Companies
    White Papers/Tech Papers
    Product Spec Sheets
    Equipment
    Literature/Brochures
    Videos
    International Buyers Guide Companies
    Siltech Corporation

    Shepherd Color Company, The

    WAB US Corp

    Vibrantz Technologies

    Evonik Corporation
    • Magazine
      • Current / Back Issues
      • Features
      • Editorial
      • Business Corner
      • Digital Edition
      • eNewsletter Archive
      • Editorial Guidelines
      • Subscribe Now
      • Advertise Now
    • Breaking News
    • Directories
      • Buyers Guide
      • Distributor Guide
      • Corporate Capabilities
      • Trade Associations
      • Add Your Company
    • Markets & Technologies
      • Adhesives and Sealants
      • Aerospace Coatings
      • Architectural Coatings
      • Automotive Coatings
      • Automotive Refinish
      • Business Operation
      • Color Trends & Forecast
      • Construction Chemicals
      • Corrosion Control
      • Industrial Coatings
      • Laboratory Equipment
      • Marine Coatings
      • Market Trends & Forecast
      • Powder Coatings
      • Production Equipment
      • Radcure Coatings
      • Special Purpose Coatings
      • Wood Coatings
      • "Green" Coatings
    • Raw Materials
      • Additives
      • Binders
      • Pigments
      • Solvents
    • World Reports
      • Africa Report
      • China Report
      • India/Asia Pacific Report
      • Europe Report
      • Latin America Report
      • Market Research
      • Russian Report
    • Top Companies
    • Online Exclusives
    • Glossary
    • Slideshows
    • Experts Opinions
    • Blog
    • eBook
    • Infographics
    • Videos
    • Podcasts
    • Whitepapers
    • Jobs
    • Microsites
      • Companies
      • White Papers/Tech Papers
      • Product Spec Sheets
      • Equipment
      • Literature/Brochures
      • Videos
    • Events
      • Industry Events
      • Live From Show Event
      • Webinars
    • About Us
      • About Us
      • Contact Us
      • Advertise With Us
      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms of Use
    Online Exclusives

    Winning Strategies from Tim Knavish, PPG SVP Architectural Coatings

    “Be bold earlier,” and other winning strategies from Tim Knavish.

    Winning Strategies from Tim Knavish, PPG SVP Architectural Coatings
    Tim Knavish, PPG SVP, architectural coatings
    Kerry Pianoforte, Editor 07.02.19
    The following responses are from Tim Knavish, PPG senior vice president, architectural coatings and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa:

    Coatings World: What is your new role at PPG?
    Knavish: I was appointed as PPG’s senior vice president, architectural coatings, and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), in January 2019. Prior to my current role, I served as senior vice president, industrial coatings since 2017.

    A 32-year veteran of PPG, I joined the company in flat glass engineering in 1987, based at the global headquarters in Pittsburgh. I advanced through various roles in engineering, technical services, operations and supply chain, and am proud to say that I’ve served in 10 PPG businesses around the world: three glass businesses (now divested), architectural, automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM), automotive refinish, protective and marine coatings, packaging and industrial coatings, as well as coatings services.

    Coatings World: What do you think are some of the challenges of the EMEA region? What are you most excited about leading the global architectural coatings business for PPG?
    Knavish: In the Europe, Middle East and Africa regions, each area is different and there are opportunities across each market. Issues such as the uncertainty around Brexit, the current slow-down in automotive production and the geopolitical dynamics in the region are some of the current challenges we are facing. However, there are many opportunities for organic and non-organic growth across the region. We see many opportunities in countries and segments where PPG is underrepresented, where we can bring our knowledge, expertise and innovation to create value. We are in the process of integrating two exciting acquisitions that will continue our proud history of growth in the EMEA region – Hemmelrath, an automotive coatings manufacturer headquartered in Klingenberg, Germany, and Whitford, a global manufacturer that specializes in low-friction and nonstick coatings for industrial applications and consumer products. I’m excited to learn even more about the business, people, cultures, customers and challenges that encompass the EMEA region. On a global scale, we continue to seek new ways to create value for customers and capture our share of that value. I look forward to continuing to energize the organization and its teams to accelerate our growth.

    In addition, it is truly an exciting time to lead the global architectural coatings business. With our strong portfolio of brands, such as GLIDDEN paint, PPG PAINTS, TAUBMANS, JOHNSTONE’S, we are well-poised to deliver the needs of professional and DIY painters alike.

    Digitization will continue to be a core focus of the paint and coatings industry, and PPG is developing tools and resources to ensure a seamless buying process for customers. For example, the PPG Paint brand’s newly redesigned website offers a room visualizer for customers to quickly and easily see colors in their own space, in addition to online inspiration resources, access to the latest color trends, store locators, paint estimators and more. By offering these free digital resources, we’re making the inspiration and purchase process even easier and more integrated.

    Coatings World: What is your strategy for success?
    Knavish: There are a few core strategies that I’m passionate about to ensure a successful, engaged and diverse team. I believe in working hard to implement positivity, embracing changes, maintaining high energy and celebrating successes within our global teams.

    One thing that I continue to impress upon individuals and teams within our organization is to be bold earlier, and don’t be afraid to take chances. It’s my advice to all PPG employees, regardless of where they are in their careers. Looking back, I wish my younger self received this advice.

    One of PPG’s greatest strengths is the diversity of our people, whose unique perspectives enable us to meet challenges quickly, creatively and effectively. I strongly believe in drawing motivation from the diverse people around me. I like to win as a team, not an individual. Winning is really cool when it’s done among a collaborative team. The chance to meet and work with new people is an incredible motivator to explore new challenges and opportunities.

    Coatings World: How important is sustainability when working with architectural coatings?
    Knavish: Sustainability remains an important part of PPG’s success. We remain committed to embedding sustainable practices into our operations and introducing new sustainably advantaged products for customers.

    During 2018, PPG built upon our efforts to drive sustainability deeper into our global operations. We launched a new set of sustainability goals for 2025, guiding the company to further embed sustainability into its day-to-day operations and measure its progress. In the architectural coatings business, we introduced core products that help reduce PPG’s environmental impact, as well as our customers’ impact. In recent years, we introduced Sigma Air Pure, a revolutionary bio-based product that protects indoor air quality while it beautifies. In addition, we are on target to revise 273 PPG paint products sold by The Home Depot to ensure we’re meeting its commitment to sell only interior and exterior water-based wall paints in the U.S. and Canada that help maintain healthier air quality and exclude chemicals of concern.

    Additional highlights of PPG’s sustainability progress in 2018 include the following.
    • 32% of sales from sustainably advantaged products and processes, with a goal of 40 percent by 2025
    • 29% of manufacturing and research and development locations with zero process waste to landfill
    • 28% improvement in the spills and releases rate
    • Completed the 200th COLORFUL COMMUNITIES project since the program’s launch in 2015 – a significant milestone that allowed the company to impact more than 5.2 million people in 30 countries;
    • 10% reduction in injury and illness rate vs. 2017.

    As our portfolio continues to evolve, we are evaluating our businesses and striving to achieve even more impactful, sustainable business practices. Our 2025 sustainability goals will further guide and increase our use of sustainable business practices. We have made significant progress, but we remain focused on continued improvement.



    About Tim Knavish



    Tim Knavish, PPG SVP, architectural coatings
    Tim Knavish is senior vice president, architectural coatings, and president, Europe, Middle East and Africa at PPG. A 32-year veteran of PPG, Knavish joined the company in flat glass engineering in 1987, based at the global headquarters in Pittsburgh. He advanced through various roles of increasing responsibility in engineering, technical services, operations and supply chain. Most recently, Knavish served as senior vice president, industrial coatings before being named to his current role in January 2019.

    A native of Pittsburgh, Knavish earned both a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.
    Related Searches
    • ppg
    • coatings
    • color trends
    • architectural coatings
    Suggested For You
    Masco Corp. Masco Corp.
    Top Companies Report Top Companies Report
    PPG Completes First Dual STEM, COLORFUL COMMUNITIES Project in Querétaro, Mexico PPG Completes First Dual STEM, COLORFUL COMMUNITIES Project in Querétaro, Mexico
    Behr Paint Reveals 2020 Color Trends Palette Behr Paint Reveals 2020 Color Trends Palette
    PPG Opens New Distribution Center in Flower Mound, Texas PPG Opens New Distribution Center in Flower Mound, Texas
    PPG Names Jaime Irick VP, Architectural Coatings, U.S. & Canada PPG Names Jaime Irick VP, Architectural Coatings, U.S. & Canada
    PPG Reports 1Q 2019 Financial Results PPG Reports 1Q 2019 Financial Results
    PPG Appoints Devashish Saxena as VP, Chief Digital Officer PPG Appoints Devashish Saxena as VP, Chief Digital Officer
    PPG Completes First COLORFUL COMMUNITIES Project in Yucatan, Mexico PPG Completes First COLORFUL COMMUNITIES Project in Yucatan, Mexico
    PPG Introduces PPG POWERCRON 160 Electrocoat in North America PPG Introduces PPG POWERCRON 160 Electrocoat in North America
    PPG Introduces PPG ENVIROCRON Extreme Protection Edge Powder Coatings for Corrosion Protection PPG Introduces PPG ENVIROCRON Extreme Protection Edge Powder Coatings for Corrosion Protection
    Harris Williams Advises Whitford Worldwide on Sale to PPG Harris Williams Advises Whitford Worldwide on Sale to PPG
    PPG Completes Acquisition of Global Coatings Manufacturer Whitford Worldwide PPG Completes Acquisition of Global Coatings Manufacturer Whitford Worldwide
    PPG, PPG Foundation Invested $9+ Million in Communities Worldwide in 2018 PPG, PPG Foundation Invested $9+ Million in Communities Worldwide in 2018
    PPG Introduces PPG HI-TEMP 900 Coating PPG Introduces PPG HI-TEMP 900 Coating

    Related Top Companies Report

    • Masco Corp.

      Masco Corp.

      ...
      07.03.19

    • Top Companies Report

      Top Companies Report

      ...
      Kerry Pianoforte, Editor 07.03.19

    • Breaking News | Paint & Coatings Manufacturer News
      PPG Completes First Dual STEM, COLORFUL COMMUNITIES Project in Querétaro, Mexico

      PPG Completes First Dual STEM, COLORFUL COMMUNITIES Project in Querétaro, Mexico

      PPG has completed 13 Colorful Communities projects throughout Mexico since the program’s launch in 2015.
      06.25.19


    • Architectural Coatings | Breaking News | Color Trends & Forecast | Product news
      Behr Paint Reveals 2020 Color Trends Palette

      Behr Paint Reveals 2020 Color Trends Palette

      ...
      06.10.19

    • Breaking News | Paint & Coatings Manufacturer News
      PPG Opens New Distribution Center in Flower Mound, Texas

      PPG Opens New Distribution Center in Flower Mound, Texas

      ...
      05.22.19

    Loading, Please Wait..
    Breaking News
    • BASF Introduces Reactive Polyethylene Glycol Pluriol A 2400 I in Europe
    • ICP Group Appoints Todd Brown as VP of Operations
    • Teknos Unveils Next-Gen Interior Coatings at Ligna 2025
    • Hempel Receives Its Best-Ever ESG Rating by EcoVadis
    • New President & CEO Announced for the Canadian Coatings Association
    View Breaking News >
    CURRENT ISSUE

    April 2025

    • The Wood Coatings Market
    • The Importance of Utilizing Sustainability-Driven Innovation
    • Coating Resins Market
    • View More >