AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands - AkzoNobel has announced that Tex Gunning will join the company as Managing Director of its Decorative Paints business beginning September 1, 2008. Former CEO and Chairman of the Board of Vedior and a former Unilever Senior Executive, Gunning will be nominated to join the AkzoNobel Board of Management as the member responsible for Decorative Paints at the company's next AGM in April 2009, completing the AkzoNobel board picture.

 

A Dutch citizen, Gunning joined Vedior NV in 2007, successfully completing its negotiated sale to Randstad in May of this year. Prior to that, he spent 25 years gaining experience in the management of consumer-facing businesses with Unilever, 15 of them in the fast-growing Asian and Australasian markets. During that time, he not only guided Unilever's Asian businesses to deliver consistent profitable growth, but also oversaw the regional integration with Best Foods.

 

"I am delighted that we have been able to secure the services of such an exceptionally experienced leader at this crucial time for our Decorative Paints business," said Akzo Nobel CEO Hans Wijers. "Tex's deep background in the management of consumer brands and businesses will enable us to build on the vast reservoir of expertise that we have brought together following the acquisition of ICI's paints businesses. His Asian knowledge will be invaluable as we strive to continue our strong growth in emerging markets, and I am sure that his informal and direct style will be a significant contribution to all of us."

 

Gunning will succeed David Hamill, who will leave the company by the end of the year having played a major role in combining the ICI and AkzoNobel paints businesses.