AkzoNobel is to re-organise its performance coatings and specialty chemicals portfolios as part of a move that will see the launch of two new business units and the merger of two others.
Due to come into effect on 1 January 2010, the planned changes include the creation of a stand-alone wood finishes and adhesives business and a restyled industrial coatings business, while the company’s polymer chemicals activities will be merged into its functional chemicals organisation.
The wood finishes and adhesives business will comprise the company’s current wood finishes and wood adhesives activities, while the industrial coatings arm will be made up of its present packaging coatings, coil coatings and specialty plastics operations.
In addition, AkzoNobel aerospace coatings will be transferred from marine and protective coatings to car refinishes.
The new structure will see Bob Taylor - currently managing director of industrial finishes - become managing director of marine and protective coatings, succeeding Bill McPherson, who is due to retire in April 2010.
John Wolff, currently general manager of the coil coatings business, will become managing director of the new wood finishes and adhesives business, while Conrad Keijzer, currently managing director of packaging coatings, will be managing director of the new industrial coatings business.
The company said that the merger of the polymer chemicals business into the functional chemicals organisation is designed to create a more cost-effective business. Bob Margevich will continue in his role as managing director of functional chemicals and will lead the new business once the activities are combined.
Alan Kwek, managing director of polymer chemicals, will continue to be responsible for the polymer chemicals business until the end of this year.
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