PPG Global IT Director Recognized as Woman of Influence
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Mar 17 2026
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Should l Buy PPG?
Source: Newsfilter
- Woman of Influence Award: Laura Harshberger, PPG's global IT director, has been recognized by the Pittsburgh Business Times as a 2026 Woman of Influence, highlighting her outstanding contributions and achievements within PPG and the Pittsburgh community.
- Leadership and Advocacy: Harshberger not only possesses deep expertise in information technology but also actively promotes inclusive workplace programs, inspiring talent and enhancing access to opportunities through her advocacy efforts.
- Global IT Management: She oversees IT operations and environmental health and safety functions at PPG, managing system implementations across over 100 manufacturing sites, which enhances user experience and optimizes the manufacturing value chain.
- Women Empowerment Advocacy: As the first global sponsor and co-chair of PPG's Women's Leadership Network, Harshberger is actively involved in several external organizations focused on empowering women and expanding opportunities.
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Analyst Views on PPG
Wall Street analysts forecast PPG stock price to rise
13 Analyst Rating
6 Buy
7 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 103.820
Low
109.00
Averages
116.92
High
130.00
Current: 103.820
Low
109.00
Averages
116.92
High
130.00
About PPG
PPG Industries, Inc. manufactures and distributes a broad range of paints, coatings and specialty products. Its segments include Global Architectural Coatings, Performance Coatings and Industrial Coatings. The Global Architectural Coatings segment consists of architectural coatings EMEA and architectural coatings Latin America and Asia Pacific operating segments. This segment primarily supplies paints, wood stains, adhesives, sealants and purchased sundries. The Performance Coatings segment consists of automotive refinish coatings, aerospace coatings, protective and marine coatings and traffic solutions operating segments. This segment primarily supplies a variety of coatings, solvents, adhesives, sealants, foams and finishes, along with pavement marking products, transparencies and paint films. The Industrial Coatings segment supplies a variety of protective and decorative coatings and finishes along with adhesives, sealants, metal pretreatment products, and other specialty products.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
PPG Recognized on Fortune's 2026 Most Innovative Companies List
- Innovation Ranking: PPG was ranked 175th on Fortune's 2026 list of America's Most Innovative Companies, reflecting the company's strong performance in intellectual property and customer feedback, further solidifying its leadership position in the industry.
- Patent Advantage: With over 1,340 active U.S. patents and applications, and 43% of sales derived from sustainably advantaged solutions, PPG views innovation as the core of its growth strategy, enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
- Digital Transformation: The company has optimized product development processes through advanced chemistry and digital tools, notably advancing AI applications across the innovation lifecycle in 2025, which accelerates new product market launches and enhances customer responsiveness.
- Evaluation Process: Statista evaluated over 10,000 companies with more than 40,000 participants, and 2,500 experts assessed companies across key innovation dimensions, ensuring the authority and fairness of the rankings.
See More
PPG Foundation Commits $10 Million to Skilled Trades Education
- Global Investment Commitment: PPG and the PPG Foundation announced a $10 million global investment through 2030 focused on skilled trades education, aiming to enhance students' practical skills to meet modern manufacturing demands.
- Educational Partnerships: Through collaborations with technical and vocational schools and community colleges, PPG's funding will support students in acquiring essential technical expertise, helping them build sustainable career pathways in the coatings and manufacturing industries.
- Project Examples: PPG donated the PPG LINQ™ digital ecosystem to one of Finland's largest vocational colleges, aiding automotive painting students in accessing advanced tools, while similar support has been provided to 20 vocational schools across Europe.
- Community Impact: As part of the PPG Foundation's 75th anniversary celebration, this investment not only addresses the urgent need for skilled workers in the coatings and manufacturing sectors but also reflects PPG's long-term commitment to education and community development worldwide.
See More
PPG to Act as Main Holding Entity for At Least 96.5% Stake in Irix Properties Sdn. Bhd. Through Mobile-Health Network Solutions
Company Overview: Mobile Health Network Solutions is a company focused on providing healthcare solutions through mobile technology.
Investment Structure: PPG will serve as a primary holding vehicle with a minimum equity interest of 96.5% in the investment.
Property Management: The investment involves managing properties under the name Irix Properties SDN. BHD.
Strategic Goals: The company aims to leverage its equity interest to enhance its operational capabilities and market presence in the healthcare sector.
See More
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- Acquisition Announcement: Mobile Health Network Solutions will acquire PP&G, enhancing their service offerings in the healthcare sector.
- Special Purpose Vehicle: The acquisition will be facilitated through a special purpose vehicle based in the Cayman Islands.
See More
Global Markets Decline Amid Inflation Concerns
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.43%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.59%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.44%, indicating a broad sell-off in global equities driven by inflation concerns and investor pessimism.
- Rising Bond Yields: Hawkish comments from the BOE, ECB, and BOJ pushed global bond yields higher, with the 10-year German Bund yield reaching a 2.25-year high of 3.01%, which will increase borrowing costs and impact corporate financing.
- Surging Energy Prices: European natural gas prices surged over 12% to a three-year high due to escalating conflict in Iran, with Qatar reporting a 17% damage to its LNG export capacity, raising inflation risks and potentially disrupting global energy supplies.
- Strong US Economic Data: Despite initial jobless claims unexpectedly falling to 205,000, indicating a robust labor market, January new home sales plummeted 17.6% to 587,000, below expectations, reflecting weakness in the housing market that may affect future economic growth.
See More
PPG Names Colours, Inc. 2025 Platinum Distributor of the Year
- Recognition of Excellence: PPG has named Colours, Inc. as the 2025 Automotive Refinish Platinum Distributor of the Year, acknowledging their exceptional service, loyalty, and product knowledge, which underscores their leadership position in the industry.
- Historical Achievement: This marks the third time Colours has received this honor, previously awarded in 2003 and 2019, demonstrating their consistent excellence and commitment to customers, thereby solidifying their market position.
- Leadership Team Contribution: Ali Mahalak, who joined the leadership team in 2010, emphasizes that the collective effort of the team is crucial for this recognition, enhancing internal cohesion and commitment to customer service.
- Distributor Network Advantage: The PPG Platinum Distributor program aims to enhance distributor competitiveness through technology, training, and customer support, with Colours' success reflecting their market knowledge and service capabilities, providing significant value to PPG's customers.
See More
PPG Recognized on Fortune's 2026 Most Innovative Companies List
- Innovation Ranking: PPG was ranked 175th on Fortune's 2026 list of America's Most Innovative Companies, reflecting the company's strong performance in intellectual property and customer feedback, further solidifying its leadership position in the industry.
- Patent Advantage: With over 1,340 active U.S. patents and applications, and 43% of sales derived from sustainably advantaged solutions, PPG views innovation as the core of its growth strategy, enhancing its competitive edge in the market.
- Digital Transformation: The company has optimized product development processes through advanced chemistry and digital tools, notably advancing AI applications across the innovation lifecycle in 2025, which accelerates new product market launches and enhances customer responsiveness.
- Evaluation Process: Statista evaluated over 10,000 companies with more than 40,000 participants, and 2,500 experts assessed companies across key innovation dimensions, ensuring the authority and fairness of the rankings.
See More
PPG Foundation Commits $10 Million to Skilled Trades Education
- Global Investment Commitment: PPG and the PPG Foundation announced a $10 million global investment through 2030 focused on skilled trades education, aiming to enhance students' practical skills to meet modern manufacturing demands.
- Educational Partnerships: Through collaborations with technical and vocational schools and community colleges, PPG's funding will support students in acquiring essential technical expertise, helping them build sustainable career pathways in the coatings and manufacturing industries.
- Project Examples: PPG donated the PPG LINQ™ digital ecosystem to one of Finland's largest vocational colleges, aiding automotive painting students in accessing advanced tools, while similar support has been provided to 20 vocational schools across Europe.
- Community Impact: As part of the PPG Foundation's 75th anniversary celebration, this investment not only addresses the urgent need for skilled workers in the coatings and manufacturing sectors but also reflects PPG's long-term commitment to education and community development worldwide.
See More
PPG to Act as Main Holding Entity for At Least 96.5% Stake in Irix Properties Sdn. Bhd. Through Mobile-Health Network Solutions
Company Overview: Mobile Health Network Solutions is a company focused on providing healthcare solutions through mobile technology.
Investment Structure: PPG will serve as a primary holding vehicle with a minimum equity interest of 96.5% in the investment.
Property Management: The investment involves managing properties under the name Irix Properties SDN. BHD.
Strategic Goals: The company aims to leverage its equity interest to enhance its operational capabilities and market presence in the healthcare sector.
See More
MOBILE-HEALTH NETWORK SOLUTIONS TO PURCHASE PPG VIA A SPECIAL PURPOSE VEHICLE IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS
- Acquisition Announcement: Mobile Health Network Solutions will acquire PP&G, enhancing their service offerings in the healthcare sector.
- Special Purpose Vehicle: The acquisition will be facilitated through a special purpose vehicle based in the Cayman Islands.
See More
Global Markets Decline Amid Inflation Concerns
- Market Decline: The S&P 500 index fell by 0.43%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average by 0.59%, and the Nasdaq 100 by 0.44%, indicating a broad sell-off in global equities driven by inflation concerns and investor pessimism.
- Rising Bond Yields: Hawkish comments from the BOE, ECB, and BOJ pushed global bond yields higher, with the 10-year German Bund yield reaching a 2.25-year high of 3.01%, which will increase borrowing costs and impact corporate financing.
- Surging Energy Prices: European natural gas prices surged over 12% to a three-year high due to escalating conflict in Iran, with Qatar reporting a 17% damage to its LNG export capacity, raising inflation risks and potentially disrupting global energy supplies.
- Strong US Economic Data: Despite initial jobless claims unexpectedly falling to 205,000, indicating a robust labor market, January new home sales plummeted 17.6% to 587,000, below expectations, reflecting weakness in the housing market that may affect future economic growth.
See More
PPG Names Colours, Inc. 2025 Platinum Distributor of the Year
- Recognition of Excellence: PPG has named Colours, Inc. as the 2025 Automotive Refinish Platinum Distributor of the Year, acknowledging their exceptional service, loyalty, and product knowledge, which underscores their leadership position in the industry.
- Historical Achievement: This marks the third time Colours has received this honor, previously awarded in 2003 and 2019, demonstrating their consistent excellence and commitment to customers, thereby solidifying their market position.
- Leadership Team Contribution: Ali Mahalak, who joined the leadership team in 2010, emphasizes that the collective effort of the team is crucial for this recognition, enhancing internal cohesion and commitment to customer service.
- Distributor Network Advantage: The PPG Platinum Distributor program aims to enhance distributor competitiveness through technology, training, and customer support, with Colours' success reflecting their market knowledge and service capabilities, providing significant value to PPG's customers.
See More
