WILMINGTON, Del. – Steve Markevich has joined Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, as senior vice president of the company and president of its OEM coatings segment.
“Steve’s extensive leadership and experience in the industry will bring added customer focus to our global OEM offering,” said Charles Shaver, Axalta chairman and CEO. “Many of our OEM customers are truly global and we intend to match their scale, scope and requirements with an Axalta team that shares that same perspective and capability, providing a virtual one-stop-shop of global products and services. Having Steve join us reflects our commitment to continue to make substantial investments in the key automotive OEM sector and enable us to grow alongside our customers.”
Markevich joins Axalta from global engineering giant GKN, where he served most recently as CEO of GKN Driveline and was located in the United Kingdom. GKN Driveline develops and builds an extensive range of all-wheel drive and driveshaft products and systems for the automotive industry. Prior to that, he was president, GKN Sinter Metals, which engineers and manufactures precision automotive components for engine, transmission and body chassis applications for the major OEMs and top tier customers. He also served as president, sinter metals North American operations and as vice president, sales and marketing. While at GKN, Markevich oversaw operations in more than 22 countries and was responsible for increased sales, market share and profitability.
At Siegel-Robert Automotive, one of the largest exterior trim suppliers to automotive and commercial truck manufacturers, Markevich led the company’s commercial strategy, sales, account and program management initiatives. During his tenure at Guardian Automotive, he served in numerous leadership roles and was responsible for all senior level customer relationships. He started his career with Deloitte & Touche consulting and the National Steel Corp.
“Steve’s in-depth knowledge of the global automotive industry will enable us to leverage our existing 35 manufacturing and operations centers, and build on and align, our extensive OEM team around the world, taking us to the next level of service that our customers require,” said Shaver. “Steve’s knowledge of the unique regional and cultural needs and related business requirements also will help us gear up for future growth in vital emerging markets in Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. His significant background in sales, marketing and operations, all in the automotive world, will be a great asset to our business and, most importantly, to the OEM customers we serve.”
Markevich holds a finance degree from University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He also is a certified public accountant.
