Axalta Coating Systems has announced that Mark Garrett has stepped down as a member and Chair of its board of directors, effective 26 August due to his increasing professional commitments in Europe. The board has appointed William M. Cook as its new Chair.
“It has been an honour to serve as a member of Axalta’s board of directors for the past five years, and the Chair for the past two years,” said Garrett. “Axalta’s future is bright, and I look forward to seeing Robert [Bryant] and the team lead the company to even greater heights.”
“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Mark for his board service and his leadership over the past two years,” said Cook. “I am excited to assume the role of Chair as Axalta continues to deliver value to our stakeholders.”
Robert W. Bryant, Axalta’s Chief Executive Officer added: “I have greatly appreciated Mark’s leadership and partnership and wish him much continued success and I am delighted to have Bill as Axalta’s new Chair. Bill’s significant experience as a CEO and in other executive roles at an industrial manufacturing business, as well as his public company board experience, have provided tremendous value to the board and will continue to serve Axalta well as we pursue our ambitious growth and innovation goals.”
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Cook joined Axalta’s board in 2019, having served as Executive Chairman of Donaldson Company, Inc. until 2016, and prior to that served as Chairman, CEO and President of Donaldson for more than ten years. During his 35-year career at Donaldson, Cook held various roles of increasing responsibility, including Senior Vice President, International, Chief Financial Officer, and Senior Vice President, Commercial and Industrial. He also brings strong public company board experience, serving on the boards of directors of IDEX Corporation and Neenah, Inc., and, previously, served on the board of directors of Valspar Corporation.
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On 23 August 2021, Cook was named Public Company Director of the Year by the National Association of Corporate Directors.