At the World Coatings Council’s annual meeting in March 2024, Tom Bowtell, Chief Executive of the British Coatings Federation, was re-elected as President for a second two-year term of office. The event was hosted by the China National Coatings Industry Association (CNCIA) in Shanghai, China.

The Council, which provides a forum for exchange and cooperation on major issues and priorities facing the industry, has established itself as a global voice with the United Nations, Governments and NGOs for over 30 years.

Tom Bowtell said of his re-election, “The World Coatings Council plays an important role to represent the global coatings industry to help create a successful and sustainable future for the sector. We will continue to lead on the themes of sustainability and essentiality in our work in the coming years. I’m incredibly honoured to have the trust of my industry colleagues from across the world to serve a second term as President on behalf of the global coatings industry.”

The meeting also re-elected Monica Alcala-Saavedra of the Mexican Paint and Printing Ink Manufacturers’ Association as Vice President of the Council.

This year’s event was also the last for Andy Doyle, former President and founder of the World Coatings Council in 1992, who is retiring from the American Coatings Association later this year. Andy was recognized for his significant contributions to the global coatings industry with gifts and speeches from his World Coatings Council colleagues.

Commenting on Andy’s contribution, Tom Bowtell said, “Andy was the driving force behind setting up the World Coatings Council over thirty years ago, with founder members Japan, Europe and the USA. It is through his ability to bring people together, and to create an environment of trust and cooperation that has led to the World Coatings Council to become such a vibrant, proactive and successful global organisation it is today, now with over 15 countries in membership. The Council owes a huge debt to Andy Doyle, who can be hugely proud of what he has achieved.”

Andy Doyle, former President of the World Coatings Council and President and CEO of the American Coatings Association, commented: “In my time with the World Coatings Council, formerly IPPIC, I’ve made so many friends around the world who collaborated to tackle some major challenges on behalf of our wonderful industry. I’m so proud of how the Council has developed over the years, and while I will of course miss it, I feel confident that I’m leaving it in good hands. I’d like to thank all my colleagues for making my time in the paint industry so fulfilling and rewarding.”

The World Coatings Council is comprised of members representing associations from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, EU, France, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States. The Secretariat position is currently served by the American Coatings Association. For information about the council and the activities it is involved in on behalf of the global coatings industry, go to www.worldcoatingscouncil.org.