AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands – AkzoNobel announced that it will establish a new organization for its Performance Coatings Business Area.

The simplified new structure - due to become fully operational in January 2015 - will reduce the number of global management layers. As a result, Performance Coatings will be managed through seven Strategic Market Units under the leadership of Executive Committee Member Conrad Keijzer. The seven units will focus on specific customer segments and technologies. They will be: Marine Coatings, Metal Coatings, Powder Coatings, Protective Coatings, Specialty Coatings, Vehicle Refinishes and Wood Coatings.

Performance Coatings is one of three Business Areas within AkzoNobel, operating alongside Decorative Paints and Specialty Chemicals.