Nov 14 (Reuters) - Paint company Sherwin-Williams ( SHW )

said on Thursday Executive Chairman John Morikis will

step down, effective Dec. 31, and CEO Heidi Petz will assume the

additional role as chair of the board.

Earlier this year, insider Petz took the helm at the

company, taking over from Morikis, who was in the CEO role since

2016.

Petz joined Sherwin-Williams ( SHW ) with the acquisition of the

Valspar Corporation in 2017.

Morikis will continue to be a member of the company's board

until his retirement in April, the company said.