Axalta Names New EMEA President
Global company Axalta Coating Systems (Philadelphia) announced last week multiple personnel changes in its European regions, including the appointment of Yves Kerstens as Vice President and President of its Europe, Middle East and Africa region. Kerstens is succeeding Matthias Schönberg.
Klaus Gast joined the company as its Business Director for Powder Coatings business in Europe. Both appointments were effective Aug. 1.
Before joining Axalta, Kerstens worked at Bridgestone Corporation for 13 years where he held a number of senior executive roles in the EMEA and the Asia Pacific regions. Kerstens holds master’s degrees in electromechanical engineering technology, industrial management and international corporate governance.
“I am delighted to welcome Yves as Axalta’s new EMEA president,” said Joe McDougall, Axalta’s Executive Vice President and President of Global Refinish and EMEA.
“With his vast leadership experience, he has all the skills necessary to guide our business in the region. He will have a clear focus on our customers while also looking to expand Axalta’s business interests as well as optimizing business processes.”
Gast most recently served as the Area Vice President for Sales and Marketing at Nalco Water, in addition to other senior commercial and marketing roles.
Both appointees will be based in Axalta’s EMEA headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.
