What was your first role in packaging, and what inspired you to stay in the industry?
Denise Lu, Vice President of Global Packaging Coatings, PPG. Image courtesy of PPG
I became Vice President of Global Packaging Coatings at PPG earlier this year after 17 years in strategy, marketing and leadership roles across the company. The industry’s daily connection to people’s lives inspires me—whether it’s helping to keep food fresher for longer, enabling the infinite recyclability of aluminum, or supporting the sustainability and functionality behind everyday packaging. I see the impact we can make through sustainability, productivity improvements and innovations that help customers succeed. Packaging remains everywhere, and that makes leading in this space both meaningful and exciting.
What is your strategic vision for PPG’s Packaging Coatings business?
I aim to take our business and team to the next level by working closely with customers for mutual success. We focus on delivering faster, smarter production outcomes, integrating sustainability into how we operate and go to market, and aligning teams across regions to drive transformative change. My goal is to position PPG as a trusted, responsible partner and a leader in innovation and sustainability.
Why are women important in packaging?
Creating a culture of inclusion and belonging among our global employee population is a critical piece of our success. In my experience, women bring unique experiences and approaches that spark fresh ideas and creative problem-solving. In a global industry like packaging, varying perspectives prove essential to meet complex challenges and respond to shifting market needs.
What do you see as the most exciting opportunities in the packaging industry right now?
Metal packaging has a great opportunity as recyclability and circularity continue to be priorities for our customers. The industry can also boost productivity by integrating advanced digital tools, such as AI-driven formulation systems that accelerate product development and digital twin technology that monitors and predicts the impact of oven temperature changes on coating quality. Overall, these innovations give us the chance to improve people’s quality of life in meaningful ways.
What challenges does the industry need to overcome?
One challenge is increasing throughput to produce more, faster, without sacrificing quality. Another opportunity lies in applying digitization and AI more strategically to enhance efficiency, improve process control and drive greater consistency across production. We must embrace disruptive innovation to enhance people’s lives and create long-term industry value.
What career achievements are you most proud of?
First, I take great pride in helping our customers succeed by providing solutions and services in great partnership. For example, when a customer opens a new can-making site, we are the first supply partner to share our knowledge of that geography, assist them throughout the scale-up, and help them land successfully in that market.
Second, I am equally proud of watching my team grow and achieve their own goals both professionally and personally. Guiding and supporting them on their journey and celebrating their milestones along the way has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my leadership experience.
How would you describe your leadership style?
I adjust my approach to match the needs of the business and the team. I combine aspiration with accountability and believe in clear, straightforward communication. I encourage teams to look beyond their job descriptions, embrace varying perspectives and experiment with confidence. I value agility and view failure as an opportunity to pivot and improve.
What advice would you give to young women starting a career in packaging?
Think big and start small. Go beyond the boundaries of your job description and look for opportunities to learn across functions. Ask for new challenges. Stay curious, agile and willing to step outside your comfort zone. Those qualities open doors to unexpected opportunities.
What lessons have you learned about leading inclusive teams?
Creating a culture of inclusion and belonging makes teams stronger and more engaged, but it requires intention. It’s important to embrace differences in thought, experiences and backgrounds because they bring fresh perspectives. I’ve learned never to underestimate the details to ensure everyone understands the steps needed for success.
What personal philosophy guides your work?
Growing up in a fast-growing country taught me to stay ahead, like running alongside a high-speed train instead of riding it. I compete with myself, focus on self-growth, and regularly pause to reflect on how I can be more effective and efficient.
