ICIPaints.com Archive
Tex Gunning is the new MD of Decorative Paints
June 2008
Tex Gunning will replace David Hamill as Managing Director of its Decorative Paints business with effect from September 1.
Mr Gunning (57), former CEO and Chairman of the Board of Vedior and previously a Unilever senior executive, will be nominated to join the AkzoNobel Board of Management as member responsible for Decorative Paints at the company's next AGM in April 2009.
A Dutch citizen, he joined Vedior NV in 2007, successfully completing its negotiated sale to Randstad in May of this year. Prior to that, Mr Gunning spent 25 years gaining invaluable experience in the management of consumer-facing businesses with Unilever, 15 of them in the fast-growing Asian and Australasian markets. During that time, he not only guided Unilever's Asian businesses to deliver consistent profitable growth, but also oversaw the regional integration with Best Foods.
Akzonobel CEO Hans Wijers said: "I am delighted that we have been able to secure the services of such an exceptionally experienced leader at this crucial time for our Decorative Paints business."
"Tex's deep background in the management of consumer brands and businesses will enable us to build on the vast reservoir of expertise that we have brought together following the acquisition of ICI's paints businesses. His Asian knowledge will be invaluable as we strive to continue our strong growth in emerging markets and I am sure that his informal and direct style will be a significant contribution to all of us. " He added.
Said Mr Gunning: "The opportunity to help forge the future of the world's largest decorative paints company, building the organization and the people that will lead it, is a great personal challenge. I am also excited to be joining a company which understands the necessity of inter-connection with communities, and whose commitment to sustainability is self-evident. "
"I hope I can continue the successful integration process and drive forward growth in a paints market which is full of potential. "
David Hamill will leave the company by the end of the year, having played a major role in the process of combining the ICI and AkzoNobel paints businesses. The company would like to place on record its thanks to Mr Hamill for his valuable contribution.
