Hardide plc (LON:HDD), the provider of advanced surface coating technology, has announced the appointment of Stephen (Steve) Paul as Interim Chief Executive Officer with effect from 12 February 2024. Steve will succeed Philip (Phil) Kirkham who, as announced on 1 November 2023, is stepping down after leading the Company for over 11 years.
Steve had a successful 30-year international career in various managing director, commercial development and performance improvement roles for the leading global surface treatment business, Praxair Surface Technologies, now part of the Linde Group. Since 2018, Steve has led his own consultancy business, Sketchley GmbH, where he has advised a number of coatings companies, including Hardide, on strategic, business development and operational improvement projects. Steve has a Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Sheffield.
