Akzo Nobel has finalized plans for the new structure of the company ahead of its acquisition of Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), which was completed today (January 2, 2008). All the relevant management appointments have also been concluded as preparations for the next phase in the ongoing strategic transformation continue to gather pace.

The integrated organization will operate in three business areas: Decorative Paints, Performance Coatings and Specialty Chemicals. Under this more focused structure, ICI’s retained Specialty Polymers and Regional and Industrial activities will move to Akzo Nobel Specialty Chemicals, while ICI’s Packaging Coatings operation will join Akzo Nobel’s Performance Coatings portfolio. ICI’s deco activities will be part of the new Akzo Nobel Decorative Paints organization, which will consist of seven businesses.

Under the new structure, Akzo Nobel’s Decorative Paints business will include Decorative Paints Continental Europe; Decorative Paints Northern & Eastern Europe; Decorative Paints UK, Northern Ireland and South Africa; Decorative Paints Asia; Decorative Paints America; Decorative Paints Canada; and Decorative Paints Latin America. The Performance Coatings business will include Car Refinishes, Marine & Protective Coatings, Powder Coatings, Industrial Finishes and Packaging Coatings. The Specialty Chemicals business will include Base Chemicals, Functional Chemicals, Polymer Chemicals, Pulp & Paper Chemicals, Surfactants, Specialty Polymers, and regional and industrial activities.

Several key appointments also have been made, notably within the leadership structure of the Decorative Paints business. Decorative Paints Continental Europe will be managed by Antoine Fady, formerly responsible within ICI for Decorative Paints in Continental Europe and Packaging Coatings. He will also continue to manage Packaging Coatings on an ad interim basis.

Decorative Paints Northern & Eastern Europe will be managed by Ruud Joosten, formerly responsible within Akzo Nobel for Decorative Coatings in Northern Europe. Decorative Paints UK, Northern Ireland and South Africa will be managed by Richard Stuckes, who formerly held the same responsibilities within ICI. Decorative Paints Asia will be managed by Ken Ng, formerly responsible within ICI for Decorative Paints in China.

Decorative Paints United States will be managed by Erik Bouts, who was recently responsible within ICI as the interim manager for the retail business in Decorative Paints North America. Decorative Paints Canada will be managed by Pierre Dufresne, formerly responsible within Akzo Nobel for Decorative Coatings Americas. And Decorative Paints Latin America will be managed by Marcos Saveedra, who formerly held the same responsibilities within ICI.

The Decorative Paints management team will be supported by Kerris Bright, chief marketing officer (formerly chief marketing officer for ICI Paints); Tony Britt, integration officer (formerly manager of Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings Europe Central); Peter Gommers, strategy and business development (formerly responsible for marketing and strategy in Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings); Sander Gunst, controller (formerly controller for Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings); and Silke Heitmann, human resources manager (formerly HR manager for Akzo Nobel Decorative Coatings).

Other appointments to support the Decorative Paints management team will be announced at a later date.

In addition to the above, Chas Eggert will be appointed to manage the Specialty Polymers business (he formerly held the same responsibilities within ICI).

The new structure and appointments will come into effect upon official completion of the deal, expected to take place on January 2, 2008.

For more information, visitwww.akzonobel.com.