AkzoNobel announces new structure for Executive Committee

July 25, 2017

AkzoNobel today announces a new structure for its Executive Committee. This change is designed to drive operational excellence, increase customer focus, and build further momentum and speed into the organization.

In the new Executive Committee the following roles will continue:

• Chief Executive Officer (Thierry Vanlancker)
• Chief Financial Officer (Maëlys Castella)
• General Counsel (Sven Dumoulin)
• Chief Human Resources Officer (Marten Booisma)

Changes to the Executive Committee following the new set-up:

• Chief Operating Officer (Ruud Joosten, former head of Decorative Paints)
• Integrated Supply Chain Leader (David Allen, elevated to Executive Committee)
• In addition, Werner Fuhrmann will return to AkzoNobel in the role of head of Specialty Chemicals

Effective immediately, Ruud Joosten is named Chief Operating Officer (COO) Paints & Coatings. Working closely with CEO Thierry Vanlancker, the COO will lead the Performance Coatings and Decorative Paints businesses. He will be responsible for accelerating growth, the execution of the company's strategy, and the performance to deliver on the agreed targets.

In addition, the direct responsibility for the Paints & Coatings operations - including all manufacturing, supply chain and logistics, site management, health & safety (HSE&S), and procurement will now fall under the responsibility of the Integrated Supply Chain Leader, David Allen.

Thierry Vanlancker, CEO, commented:

"We aim to build on the successful foundation of operational excellence that AkzoNobel has laid over the past years. With Ruud Joosten stepping up as our new COO and David Allen joining our Executive Committee in the role of Integrated Supply Chain Leader, this new Executive Committee will be faster to drive integrated business planning and quick decision making. It will also enable optimal alignment between business needs and operational and supply chain delivery."

"I am also delighted to welcome Werner Fuhrmann back to head up Specialty Chemicals and lead on the separation. His unique knowledge of the company and industry experience, having worked for almost 40 years at AkzoNobel, including running the Specialty Chemicals Business prior to my joining last year, make him an ideal person to lead the separation. It's great to have him back on board."

The Supervisory Board has designated Mr Vanlancker as CEO/Chairman of the Board of Management, with full power and authority as a member of the Board of Management, in accordance with the articles of association of Akzo Nobel N.V. which provides for such designation until formal CEO appointment by shareholders.

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About AkzoNobel
AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people's lives more liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 46,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.

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