Keith Nichols, Chief Financial Officer and member of the Board of Management of AkzoNobel, has decided to step down.

Barry Law, President of the Master Painters Institute (MPI), announced the appointment of Davis Kyle as Executive Vice President of the MPI.

Steven Cortazzo has been named Vice President of Sales for KEIM Mineral Coatings of America Inc. His responsibilities include corporate branding and business development in the New York metro region including New York City and New Jersey. 

Dymax Corp. has appointed Paul Rachielles to the position of Global Marketing Manager.

The West Michigan Chapter of the Chemical Coaters Association International (CCAI) has elected the officers for its Board of Directors for 2013-2014.

APV Engineered Coatings, a manufacturer and marketer of coatings and chemical products, has hired Lars Larsen as its new International Sales Director.

American WeatherStar (AWS) has promoted Kristin Dixon to the position of Director, Business Development Center for all of its roof coatings, spray foam and single-ply roofing materials divisions.

Dr. Fred Allen has joined Axalta Coating Systems as Global Technology Director for its powder coatings business.

Rudd Co. Inc. has appointed Ron Bryze Midwest Regional Manager/Training Manager for the company’s Wood Finishes business unit.

 Dr. Jari Liimatainen has been appointed interim CEO of Finnish coating technology specialist Picodeon. He will also continue as CTO of the company.