AkzoNobel Appoints Director of Powder Coatings

AkzoNobel (Amsterdam, The Netherlands) has appointed Jeff Jirak director of its powder coatings business. He will be located at the company’s North American regional headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jirak has more than 30 years of experience in the performance materials and specialty chemicals sector. As director of powder coatings, he leads the global strategic direction of AkzoNobel’s powder coatings portfolio across a range of end markets, including architectural, automotive, industrial, general trade coaters and functional.

“I’m delighted to be joining such a diverse business with passionate colleagues all over the world,” Jirak says. “It’s incredible to see the depth of technology and sustainability embedded in our powder coatings products. The business continues to invest in growth, our capacity and developing our talented people. I’m excited to play a key role in continuing to bring product innovations to our customers, as well as exploring new opportunities.”

Jirak previously held senior positions at DuPont, Chemours and Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals) and specialized in the strategic growth of high-performance materials, polymers and coatings. The company says his experience is applicable when helping drive innovation, sustainability and commercial excellence in his new role.

He succeeds Daniela Vlad, who is now director of the industrial coatings business.