AkzoNobel today announced that Graeme Armstrong will become Managing Director Surface Chemistry and Country Director for North America. Armstrong is currently Executive Committee member responsible for Research, Development, and Innovation (RD&I). He succeeds Bob Margevich, who has chosen to go into retirement.

Armstrong will assume his new responsibilities on April 1 and will work alongside Margevich during the first two months to ensure a smooth transition.
A process to find a successor for Armstrong in RD&I is ongoing. Armstrong will continue his RD&I responsibilities until a successor is announced.

Armstrong joined AkzoNobel in 2008 following the acquisition of ICI, where he led the company’s RD&I function. Prior to joining ICI, Armstrong spent 19 years in the detergents industry for Unilever and JohnsonDiversey.

“I would like to congratulate Graeme with his new role,” said Ton Büchner, CEO of AkzoNobel. “It was his clear wish to return to a business role, following a highly successful tenure as head of our RD&I activities. On behalf of myself and the Executive Committee, I would like to wish Graeme luck in his new position and thank Bob for his invaluable contributions to the company.” (January 23, 2013)