Axalta Coating Systems announced that Mark Garrett has stepped down as a member and chair of its board of directors, effective Aug. 26, 2021, due to his increasing professional commitments in Europe. The board has appointed William M. Cook as its new chair, effective upon Garrett’s resignation.
“It has been an honor to serve as a member of Axalta’s board of directors for the past five years, and the chair for the past two years,” said Garrett. “Axalta’s future is bright, and I look forward to seeing Robert and the team lead the company to even greater heights.”
Added Cook, “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Mark for his board service and his leadership over the past two years. I am excited to assume the role of chair as Axalta continues to deliver value to our stakeholders.”
“I have greatly appreciated Mark’s leadership and partnership and wish him much continued success,” said Robert W. Bryant, CEO of Axalta. “I am delighted to have Bill as Axalta’s new chair. Bill’s significant experience as a CEO and in other executive roles at an industrial manufacturing business, as well as his public company board experience, have provided tremendous value to the board and will continue to serve Axalta well as we pursue our ambitious growth and innovation goals.”
Cook joined Axalta’s board in 2019. He previously served as executive chairman of Donaldson Company, Inc., until 2016, and prior to that served as chairman, CEO and president of Donaldson for more than 10 years. During his 35-year career at Donaldson, Cook held various roles of increasing responsibility, including senior vice president, International, chief financial officer, and senior vice president, Commercial and Industrial. Cook also brings to the board strong public company board experience. He serves on the boards of directors of IDEX Corp. and Neenah, Inc., and, previously served on the board of directors of Valspar Corp. On Aug. 23, 2021, Cook was named public company director of the year by the National Association of Corporate Directors.
