PPG announced that Hugh Grant, PPG independent lead director, has informed the board of directors of his decision to end his tenure as independent lead director, effective Oct. 1, 2023, and retire from the board at the end of the year.

Grant joined the board in 2005 and has served on the Nominating and Governance Com-mittee and the Human Capital Management and Compensation Committee, serving the last nine years as independent lead director.

“Hugh has brought considerable expertise and talents to the board, including his exceptional leadership, his insightful approach to complex issues and his extensive knowledge of corporate affairs and governance, all of which provided a dimension to the Board’s deliberations that will be greatly missed,” said Michael McGarry, PPG executive chairman.

“We thank Hugh for his 18 years of service and his valued guidance to three PPG CEOs,” added McGarry. “Hugh has certainly fulfilled his commitment to the company and shareholders, including completing the most recent CEO transition this year. Throughout his time on the board, Hugh has been strongly committed to and supportive of our company’s growth and strategic direction, guiding the board with a strong focus on delivering value to our shareholders. His acumen in illuminating the company’s strategy and accomplishments for our shareholders has been a significant asset to the company and its leader-ship.”

The PPG Board of Directors has unanimously appointed PPG board member, Michael W. Lamach to succeed Grant as the new PPG independent lead director and chair of the Nom-inating and Governance Committee, effective Oct. 1.

Lamach joined the PPG board in 2015 and has served on each of PPG’s board committees. Lamach was executive chair of Trane Technologies plc, a global leader in climate control and climate-focused innovations for buildings, homes and transportation, from July 2021 until his retirement in December 2021.

Previously, Lamach served as chairman and CEO of Trane Technologies from its separa-tion from Ingersoll-Rand plc in February 2020 to July 2021. Lamach served as a director of Ingersoll-Rand from 2010 to 2020 and of Trane Technologies from 2020 to 2021. Lamach also served as chair of the Board of the National Association of Manufacturers from 2019 to 2021.

“The board agreed that Mike is ideally suited to serve as the new PPG independent lead director given his many contributions since joining the board, his sound perspective, dedication to PPG, and proven experience as chairman and CEO of Trane Technologies and role as a director at both Trane and Ingersoll-Rand. We wish Mike all the best in this important role and strongly believe that his and Tim Knavish’s leadership as chairman and CEO will help PPG grow, deliver and assure that PPG’s best days are still ahead,” said McGarry.