Leon Topalian Appointed to PPG Board of Directors
Leon PPG has officially announced the election of Leon J. Topalian, Chair, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Nucor Corporation, to its Board of Directors, effective July 16, 2025. Topalian, an accomplished industrial leader with nearly three decades of experience, will contribute his deep expertise in manufacturing and strategic operations to support PPG’s ongoing mission of innovation and global growth. As part of his role, Topalian will serve on both the Audit Committee and the Sustainability and Innovation Committee of PPG’s board.
Leon Topalian’s appointment reflects a deliberate strategy by PPG to enhance its board with proven industry leaders who bring valuable insight into operational excellence, sustainability, and forward-thinking innovation. His extensive career at Nucor, North America’s largest and most diversified steel and steel products producer, demonstrates his ability to lead at scale, foster innovation, and drive long-term success.
Leon Having started his journey at Nucor as a Project Engineer at Nucor Steel Berkeley in 1996, Topalian steadily rose through the ranks, earning a series of increasingly senior positions across the company. From his initial engineering role, he progressed to leadership posts that shaped Nucor’s strategic direction. He served as Vice President from 2013 to 2017, Executive Vice President of Beam and Plate Products from 2017 to 2019, and President and Chief Operating Officer in 2019 before assuming the roles of President and CEO in 2020. In 2022, he was appointed Chair of Nucor’s Board of Directors.
Topalian has been instrumental in leading Nucor through complex industry challenges, including navigating economic shifts, advancing sustainable practices, and investing in new technologies to drive operational efficiency. His proven track record aligns with PPG’s strategic focus on continuous innovation, environmental stewardship, and global competitiveness.
Leon Michael W. Lamach, PPG’s Lead Independent Director, emphasized the significance of Topalian’s appointment: “PPG’s board of directors continually seeks to strengthen its expertise and capabilities to support PPG and its growth strategy. We are pleased to welcome Leon to the board, as his proven leadership and industry experience will further strengthen PPG and guide its strategic direction.”
Timothy M. Knavish, PPG Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, echoed Lamach’s sentiment: “Leon brings nearly 30 years of experience in manufacturing and operations with a major industrial company that serves similar end-use markets as PPG. His leadership and extensive experience driving business growth will provide valuable expertise to PPG and our leadership team.”
Topalian’s deep operational understanding and insight into global industrial markets will be particularly valuable as PPG continues to expand its presence in high-growth regions and further enhances its sustainability agenda. As global industries place increasing emphasis on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices, Topalian’s commitment to corporate responsibility and innovation aligns with PPG’s strategic objectives.
With a strong history of collaboration, PPG is known for delivering exceptional customer solutions across construction, consumer products, industrial and transportation sectors. In 2024, PPG reported net sales of $15.8 billion, a testament to its resilient business model and focus on innovation. The company operates in over 70 countries worldwide, underscoring its broad global footprint and ability to meet the needs of a diverse customer base.
PPG’s legacy, now spanning more than 140 years, is built on a foundation of integrity, creativity, and performance. From its headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, PPG continues to deliver world-class paints, coatings, and specialty materials that solve its customers’ most critical challenges.
The addition of Topalian to the board is also expected to enhance PPG’s capacity for navigating complex regulatory environments, exploring strategic partnerships, and pursuing technological advancements. His expertise in scaling manufacturing operations and implementing sustainability initiatives makes him an ideal collaborator in PPG’s pursuit of long-term value creation.
As PPG accelerates its efforts to become the most innovative and sustainable coatings company in the world, Topalian’s leadership is anticipated to bring fresh perspectives to emerging challenges and opportunities in the global marketplace.
PPG remains committed to building a diverse, experienced, and strategically aligned board that can provide robust oversight and visionary leadership. Topalian’s inclusion is a clear affirmation of that commitment and underscores the company’s intent to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
As the company looks toward the future, Topalian’s influence is expected to be far-reaching—guiding not only board-level decisions but also informing operational strategies and corporate priorities. His approach to leadership, centered on empowerment, innovation, and accountability, mirrors PPG’s core values and is expected to contribute significantly to its growth trajectory.
The election of Leon J. Topalian to PPG’s Board of Directors marks a pivotal step in the company’s evolution. As PPG advances its mission to protect and beautify the world, Topalian’s experience, strategic acumen, and leadership vision are poised to deliver enduring value to stakeholders across the globe.
