IWD spotlight: Marta Lourenco
This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to spotlight Marta, Global Field Technical Service Standards and Data Manager at PPG Industries. In her global technical leadership role, Marta has been instrumental in supporting PPG’s bespoke training platform in partnership with Corrodere Academy.
With a passion for chemistry, innovation, and global collaboration, Marta plays a key role in connecting people, processes, and data to strengthen technical excellence worldwide.
Below, she shares her career journey, insights on training, and advice for women aspiring to build an international career in our industry.
Q. Can you tell us about your career journey and what led you to your role as Global Field Technical Service Standards and Data Manager at PPG?
A. I’ve always been fascinated by chemistry and how it shapes everyday life, which led me to study Chemical Engineering and discover the impact of applying science to real-world challenges.
Early in my career, I made a bold move from Portugal to the Netherlands to join Sigma Coatings, now PPG, in the Global Technical Service department. Working in several roles helped me deepen my understanding of our technologies and our customers’ needs.
What continues to motivate me is the ability to work closely with paint development teams and then see our solutions protecting assets across the world. It is incredibly rewarding to contribute to products that safeguard and enhance global infrastructure.
My technical curiosity, hands-on experience, and passion for consistency and innovation naturally led me to my current role as Global Field Technical Service Standards and Data Manager. Today, I’m proud to connect people, processes, and data to strengthen PPG’s global technical excellence.
Q. Why do you believe structured, high-quality technical training is so important in today’s industry?
A. In the Protective and Marine Coatings industry, high-quality technical training is essential. Our coatings operate in demanding environments where performance, safety, and long-term protection rely on every detail being executed correctly. Structured training ensures that everyone, from applicators to inspectors, has a clear, consistent understanding of the systems they work with.
The Corrodere Academy training is especially effective because it blends theory with powerful visual learning. Images, videos, and animations bring concepts to life and leave a lasting impression, making complex topics easier to understand and apply in the field. This combination of structured content and visual learning strengthens individual expertise and elevates the quality and reliability of work across the industry.
Q. As a woman working in a global technical leadership role, what has your experience been within the industrial coatings sector?
A. My experience as a woman in a global technical leadership role has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. Entering a traditional industrial sector came with a steep learning curve, but as the industry has moved toward innovation and modernization, I’ve had the chance to grow alongside it. I’ve gained extensive knowledge, built strong relationships, and earned the respect of peers and industry experts, something I truly value.
In recent years, leading global technical standards with a team of dedicated field technical experts has been a highlight. Ensuring customers experience consistent technical excellence worldwide requires true teamwork, resilience, and adaptability. Guiding the team through continual industry and global changes has been inspiring and fulfilling.
Overall, this journey has strengthened my sense of purpose and reinforced how impactful this industry can be.
Q. What advice would you give to women aspiring to build a career in technical services, standards, or training within our industry?
A. My advice to women aiming for an international career in technical services, standards, or training is to trust your abilities and be brave enough to step into spaces where you may be the ‘first’. This industry needs diverse perspectives, and your contributions truly matter.
Stay curious, keep learning, and don’t shy away from opportunities that stretch you. Some of the most rewarding moments come from saying ‘yes’ before you feel completely ready. Trust your intuition and believe that things will work out; it’s a powerful guide throughout your career.
Build strong relationships, look for mentors, and grow the confidence to advocate for your ideas and your path. Working internationally demands adaptability and cultural awareness, strengths that many women naturally bring. And remember: teamwork always wins. Great achievements come from people working together towards a shared goal.
Above all, believe that you belong. With resilience, passion, and a strong support network, you can excel, inspire others, and help pave the way for the next generation of women.
A huge thank you to Marta for sharing her journey and her inspirational words. Her passion and leadership continue to make a meaningful impact across PPG and the wider industry. This International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating her achievements and the example she sets for women around the world.
