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Vale Duncan McDonnell

PPG is sad to report the sudden passing of Duncan McDonnell – father, partner, colleague, mentor, friend and National Sales Manager Refinish Australia PPG Brands.


When asked what he enjoyed most about his long career in the coatings industry, Duncan McDonnell was quick to say it is ‘people’. He was a rare individual who had a passion for bringing out the best in the people around him and he left a positive impact in his wake wherever he went.
 
Duncan joined PPG in March 2006 as Refinish National Sales Manager in his native New Zealand. In April 2009 he stepped into the role of PPG General Industrial National Sales Manager before crossing the Tasman in April 2012 to take on the high-profile role of National Sales Manager Refinish Australia PPG Brands. As part of this, Duncan looked after a team of more than 80 people spread around Australia and he believed his team was the best in the business. His positive influence was felt at every level – whether it was chatting to a customer about their needs, providing guidance and support to a team member on the other side of the country, offering career mentoring or a shoulder to lean on in hard times or simply checking up on ‘how the family is going’.
 
Along with his knowledge and professionalism, Duncan was well known for his fun, cheeky and mischievous side which was legendary for keeping spirits high. One of his passions was Supercars and, in recent years, he was actually the face of PPG’s hospitality program at each event. All the Supercars teams knew and respected Duncan. He was also a natural at the role of Master of Ceremonies (MC), particularly at the final of the PPG National Colour Matching Competition where he made nervous apprentices feel at ease during the presentation evening.
 
Whether it was the PPG team, customers or members of the wider collision repair industry, Duncan left a lasting impression on everyone he met, says Paul Galea, PPG General Manager Refinish ANZ.
 
“For many years Duncan has been a much-loved part of the PPG family and I feel honoured and blessed to have known and worked with him. His selfless approach to life and focus on helping others to achieve their goals has made a profound contribution. Duncan touched so many of us in so many ways and he leaves us with long lasting memories that we will all cherish!”