Dunn-Edwards Corporation (Commerce, California, USA) recently announced the retirement of Karl Altergott from his role as president and chief executive officer (CEO) in February 2025, after 16 years of dedicated and significant contributions across the brand. The Dunn-Edwards Board of Directors and the co-presidents of Nippon Paint also announced that chief operating officer (COO) Monte Lewis has been promoted to CEO, effective March 1, 2025. 

Since joining Dunn-Edwards in 2009, Altergott has been a dedicated and decisive leader, and the company has made many significant advancements throughout his tenure. Under Altergott’s leadership, Dunn-Edwards has established a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, completed a new corporate headquarters, expanded 75 new store locations, invested in multiple IT and product development platforms, sold/transitioned Dunn-Edwards as a family-run business to Nippon Paint, and built a competent leadership team. Altergott plans to continue his service and devote part of his time to Nippon Paint as an executive advisor in support of organizations globally. 

“Serving as the CEO of Dunn-Edwards has been one of my greatest privileges as the company and the coatings industry is full of great people and customers,” says Altergott. “Dunn-Edwards is in great hands with Monte Lewis, and I look forward to watching the brand’s continued growth.” 

Lewis has spent nearly 16 years leading the company’s sales organization and exemplifying proven growth and excellence, and was recently promoted to COO in February 2024. The Dunn-Edwards Board of Directors and the co-presidents of Nippon Paint expressed their complete confidence in Lewis’ ability to help Dunn-Edwards grow its architectural footprint further in the United States. 

“I am grateful for the trust placed in me to lead Dunn-Edwards, a company deeply committed to serving our customers, communities, and industry,” says Lewis. “I am fortunate to begin this journey on the solid foundation that Karl and his team built over the past 16 years. Looking ahead, we will continue to strengthen our presence in our core markets while expanding into new geographic and product segments, ensuring a thriving future for Dunn-Edwards and the customers we serve.” 

In other leadership news, Dunn-Edwards announced the promotion of Nick Hess to executive vice president. Hess has led the Dunn-Edwards Stores team for more than two decades and has helped the brand grow in the markets it serves. In this role, Hess will continue to be a powerful voice on the executive team and work alongside incoming CEO Lewis. 

This news comes at an exciting time for the legacy paint manufacturer as it approaches its 100th anniversary in 2025. 

Source: Dunn-Edwards, www.dunnedwards.com.