PPG Names Venkateshwarlu Kalsani Associate Fellow
For more from Kalsani, read his recent PCI articles on surface preparation methods, edge corrosion protection and zinc-rich primers. PCI will also release a new episode of the Coat It! podcast featuring Kalsani in October. Check the podcast page or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts so you do not miss it.
PPG announced that it has promoted scientist Venkateshwarlu Kalsani to PPG associate fellow. A prestigious designation within the scientific community, the associate fellow title recognizes PPG science and technology employees who consistently deliver excellence in innovation and acknowledges the future technological advancements they can discover.
“Being named an associate fellow is one of the highest achievements within PPG’s technical organization,” said David Bem, PPG senior vice president, science and technology and chief technology officer. “Throughout his career, Kalsani has developed technologies that help solve our customers’ toughest challenges while creating significant value for PPG. His contributions have strengthened our innovation pipeline and supported growth across multiple businesses.”
Kalsani joined PPG in 2007 and has helped advance technology platforms spanning fire protection, battery safety, industrial coatings, consumer electronics and marine applications. His work has generated more than $1 billion in cumulative business value for PPG.
Among his most notable achievements, Kalsani played a key role in the development and commercialization of intumescent fire protection coating technologies for automotive, protective and marine applications. He also contributed to battery fire protection technologies that earned an R&D 100 Award, one of the innovation industry’s most prestigious honors.
Kalsani holds 16 patents, with 13 further patent applications pending, and has co-authored more than 50 scientific publications. In recognition of his technical expertise and industry leadership, he was appointed to Paint & Coatings Industry (PCI) Magazine’s Editorial Advisory Board in 2025. His work has supported product development and commercialization across multiple strategic business units and end-use markets.
Kalsani earned a master’s degree from Kakatiya University in India, completed doctoral studies at the University of Siegen in Germany and conducted postdoctoral research at Tufts University before joining PPG.
PPG currently has five other employees designated as fellows or associate fellows.
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