PPG Industries, Inc. (PPG) has appointed Cynthia A. Niekamp as new vice president (VP) of automotive coatings. Niekamp reports directly to William A. Wulfsohn, senior vice president (SVP), coatings. Niekamp joined the company from BorgWarner Inc., where she led the global TorqTransfer Systems business. Niekamp began her career with General Motors Corporation, progressing through production supervisory and engineering positions with the Delco Moraine division.
Niekamp is based at the company’s Troy, Michigan, automotive technology center.
Niekamp moved to France as resident controller, wheel brake systems, and then returned to the US in 1989 as plant manager of anti-lock braking systems, Delco Moraine division.
In 1990, Niekamp joined TRW Automotive Inc., where her last position was as managing director, transportation systems. She then joined Mead Corp. in 1995 as VP, corporate strategy and planning, and became president, specialty paper division, in 1998. Following the 2002 merger of Mead with Westvaco Corp., Niekamp served as SVP, strategy and specialty operations, and then as SVP and chief financial officer for MeadWestvaco until 2004.
At a time of significant industry challenge, we look forward to having Cindy’s experienced leadership for this important PPG business, Wulfsohn said.
Niekamp earned an industrial engineering degree from Purdue University and a master of business administration degree from Harvard University.