AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - AkzoNobel has appointed Graeme Armstrong Managing Director Surface Chemistry and Country Director for North America. Armstrong is currently the executive committee member responsible for research, development and innovation (RD&I). He succeeds Bob Margevich, who is retiring.

Armstrong will assume his new responsibilities on April 1 and will work alongside Margevich during the first two months to ensure a smooth transition. A process to find a successor for Armstrong in RD&I is ongoing. Armstrong will continue his RD&I responsibilities until a successor is announced.

Armstrong joined AkzoNobel in 2008 following the acquisition of ICI, where he led the company's RD&I function. Prior to joining ICI, Armstrong spent 19 years in the detergents industry for Unilever and JohnsonDiversey.