AkzoNobel announces new leadership for Decorative Paints

14 februari 2013 February 14, 2013 AkzoNobel today announced that Ruud Joosten will be appointed Executive Committee member responsible for Decorative Paints with effect from the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 26. He will succeed Tex Gunning, Member of the Board of Management, who will step down and retire. Ruud Joosten is currently Managing Director of Pulp and Performance Chemicals within the Specialty Chemicals Business Area. Ruud Joosten has extensive experience in Decorative Paints and has been responsible for both mature and high growth regions. In his most recent role, he managed a truly global business in the Specialty Chemicals Business Area. In his new assignment, he will concentrate on adapting Decorative Paints Europe to the challenging market environment and on further expanding Decorative Paints' presence in key growth markets. "The future of Decorative Paints is in very good hands. Ruud is a highly competent manager with a strong track record throughout the organization. On behalf of the Executive Committee, I wish Ruud every success in his new role," said Ton Büchner, CEO of AkzoNobel. "I would also like to thank Tex for his excellent service to the company and wish him a happy retirement." Tex Gunning's business career spanned over 25 years in Unilever, lastly as Business Group President. In September 2007, Tex Gunning was appointed CEO of Vedior, a global company in HRM services. After a successful merger with Randstad, he joined AkzoNobel in 2009. During his tenure at AkzoNobel, Tex Gunning played a crucial role in the integration of ICI's paints activities into the AkzoNobel organization, resulting in substantial synergy savings. He oversaw the turnaround of Decorative Paints in North America, substantially restructured the European activities and grew the business significantly in high growth markets. Furthermore, he rationalized the Decorative Paints' brand portfolio, including the creation of a new global brand identity and a worldwide 'Let's Colour' marketing program. - - - AkzoNobel is the largest global paint and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals. We supply industries and consumers worldwide with innovative products and are passionate about developing sustainable answers for our customers. Our portfolio includes well known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International and Eka. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we are a Global Fortune 500 company and are consistently ranked as one of the leaders in the area of sustainability. With operations in more than 80 countries, our 55,000 people around the world are committed to excellence and delivering Tomorrow's Answers Today(TM). Not for publication - for more information Corporate Media Relations, tel. +31 20 502 7833 Contact: Marcel van de Hoef Corporate Investor Relations, tel. +31 20 502 7854 Contacts: Jonathan Atack and Sheryl Stokes Pdf AkzoNobel press release: http://hugin.info/130660/R/1678126/547577.pdf This announcement is distributed by Thomson Reuters on behalf of Thomson Reuters clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that: (i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and other applicable laws; and (ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and originality of the information contained therein. Source: Akzo Nobel NV via Thomson Reuters ONE [HUG#1678126]