ARNHEM, The Netherlands, April 18, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Akzo Nobel (Nasdaq:AKZOY) has announced a number of changes in its Chemicals management structure.
The business unit Plastics & Processing Additives (P&PA) will be transferred to Functional Chemicals as of October 1, 2002. It will continue to operate in the market place as "Akcros Chemicals" and will retain all trade names. General Manager of the renewed Functional Chemicals business unit will be Jon Meijnen. He replaces Peggy Viehweger, who requested re-assignment to the United States.
The main reason for the transfer of P&PA to Functional Chemicals is the completed divestment of Rigids. As a consequence, P&PA no longer has enough critical mass to continue as a stand-alone business unit.
Ray Hurley, currently manager of Surfactants Asia and Oleochemicals, Surface Chemistry, will succeed Jon Meijnen as General Manager of the business unit Catalysts as of September 1, 2002.
In addition to these changes in the business units, an Innovation Unit will be formed to underline the importance of the development of new business for the future of Chemicals.
Mike Zeitler, currently Manager Polysulfides, has been appointed manager of the new Unit as of May 1, 2002. He will report to Dag Stromqvist, member of Akzo Nobel's Board of Management responsible for Chemicals.
Note for the Editor
Akzo Nobel, based in the Netherlands, serves customers throughout the world with healthcare products, coatings and chemicals. Consolidated sales for 2001 totaled EUR 14 billion. The Company currently employs approximately 66,000 people in 80 countries. Financial results for the first quarter will be published on April 23, 2002.
Internet: www.akzonobel.com www.akcros.com www.functionalchemicals.com www.akzonobel-catalysts.com
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