WEXHAM SPRINGS, UK – Sun Chemical has appointed Greg Hayes as the Group Managing Director for the Northern European region.

Based in the UK, Hayes will lead Sun Chemical’s businesses in the UK, Ireland and the Nordic countries, its successful global digital inks business, and the innovative Sun Branding Solutions packaging design services business. He will also coordinate the screen, circuits and industrial inks business across Europe.

Bringing 25 years of relevant industry knowledge and experience to the position, Hayes joins Sun Chemical from PPG Industries Europe Sàrl where he held the post of General Manager, EMEA for PPG Packaging Coatings.

A graduate in chemical engineering at Nottingham University in the UK, Hayes started his career in production management with ICI and subsequently with Courtaulds. At Courtaulds, his responsibilities increased as he became a markets manager in Europe and later the global sales and marketing director at Courtaulds Packaging Coatings. When Courtaulds Packaging became a part of PPG in 1999, he was appointed as general manager of the amalgamated business, which he led to achieve growth in mature markets.

He also served as chairman of CEPE Can Coatings Group and was a board member of PPG Industries Europe Sàrl. He holds an MBA from the Cranfield School of Management.

“Greg has delivered great successes in a challenging market segment through the implementation of world class techniques in selling, innovation, product quality, and people,” said Rudi Lenz, President and CEO of Sun Chemical. “I am excited by Greg’s decision to join Sun Chemical. He is a highly experienced business manager who will lead some of our most important businesses to greater success in challenging times.”