Akzo Nobel, Arnhem, the Netherlands, has announced strategic plans designed to accelerate profitable growth and drive the company's ongoing commitment to establishing leadership positions in key coatings and chemicals markets around the world. Speaking to investors, analysts and the media at the company's Fit for the Future conference in London on October 19th, CEO Hans Wijers unveiled the company's growth strategy and new targets for the next three years.

"We have developed a comprehensive, highly focused strategy for our Coatings/Chemicals activities, which will launch Akzo Nobel into an exciting new era," said Wijers. "We have successfully turned around a number of underperforming businesses and implemented several highly successful restructuring programs, and the company is now ready to accelerate growth across the portfolio."