AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands - Paint and coating manufacturer AkzoNobel announced that effective April 26 Ruud Joosten will become the Executive Committee member responsible for Decorative Paints. He will succeed Tex Gunning, Member of the Board of Management, who will step down and retire. Joosten is currently Managing Director of Pulp and Performance Chemicals within the Specialty Chemicals Business Area.

Joosten has extensive experience in Decorative Paints and has been responsible for both mature and high-growth regions. In his most recent role, he managed the Specialty Chemicals Business Area. In his new assignment, he will concentrate on positioning Decorative Paints Europe to meet the challenging market environment and on expanding its presence in key growth markets.