UPM Adhesive Materials has appointed Philip Coates to director, Global Adhesive Portfolio, effective January 1, 2026. He will report to Ville Pollari, global segment director, Specialty Tapes, Linerless & ODM, Markets.

In this role, Coates will be responsible for harmonizing UPM Adhesive Materials’ global adhesive portfolio to improve efficiency and strengthen the cost competitiveness of the adhesive platform. This will take place in collaboration with the Product Development & Innovation (PD&I) and Sourcing teams. He will also help identify capability gaps and future needs while leading the development and implementation of the company’s global adhesive portfolio strategy to support long-term growth.

Coates holds a PhD in Chemistry from Durham University in the United Kingdom. In addition, Coates brings more than 30 years of experience with UPM Adhesive Materials across Europe and the Americas. Throughout his career, he has held a range of high-impact technical and commercial leadership roles.

Coates currently serves as director, Key Accounts for the Americas region, where he manages several of the company’s largest global accounts. There, he has developed deep insight into customer needs and market dynamics. In his new position, Coates will transition into the global Markets organization.

“We are all delighted to have Philip join us in the Markets organization for this critical role. In terms of background and capabilities, we could not have found a better person with such strong expertise on both the technical and commercial sides of our business and industry,” says Ville.