Axalta picks new general counsel

Philadelphia-based Axalta Coating Systems has appointed Brian Berube as senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary, effective July 15, 2019.

Berube is joining Axalta from Cabot Corporation, where he has worked since 1994. At present he is senior vice president and general counsel, with responsibility for all legal affairs including M&A, compliance, contracts, intellectual property, corporate governance, securities, litigation, environmental and employment matters.

He has advised the CEO, board and senior management, and has also served as deputy general counsel and business general counsel for all of Cabot's operating businesses. Before working at Cabot, Berube was a corporate attorney at Boston law firm Choate, Hall and Stewart.

In his new role, he will be responsible for all legal functions at Axalta and will report directly to CEO Robert Bryant.

Michael Finn stepped down late last year as general counsel and corporate/government affairs and corporate secretary at Axalta to join Nouryon as general counsel. He had served as Axalta’s general counsel since joining the company in 2013.

‘We are thrilled to welcome Brian to our leadership team,’ Bryant says in a statement. ‘He is a seasoned leader with good judgment and strong global experience in key areas essential to Axalta's plan for growth, namely M&A, intellectual property and high-value commercial matters. Brian will bring outstanding advocacy skills and a passion for the values that are so important to our company, including strong corporate governance and ethical leadership.’

Berube says in a statement: ‘I look forward to helping Axalta continue to grow its core business, organically and through M&A, and evolve its presence around the world.’

Axalta produces coatings used on vehicles, electric motors, buildings and pipelines.