PITTSBURGH - PPG Industries has appointed David Bem Vice President, Science and Technology, and Chief Technology Officer-elect (CTO-elect) effective November 16. In the CTO role, Bem will succeed Charles F. Kahle II, who has announced plans to retire effective March 1, 2016.

Bem joins PPG from Dow Chemical, where he was Vice President, Research and Development (R&D), Consumer Solutions and Infrastructure Solutions. His earlier positions with Dow include Global R&D Director, Core R&D Global R&D Director, Dow Automotive Systems; and R&D Director, Hydrocarbons Energy, Chemicals and Alternative Feedstock. Prior to working at Dow, Bem held R&D leadership roles at Celanese Corp. and UOP LLC (a Honeywell company formerly known as Universal Oil Products).

“David’s results-driven experience in leading global R&D organizations and his strong track record of launching innovative products across various technology platforms and business units will be invaluable assets to PPG,” said Michael H. McGarry, PPG President and CEO.