Global coatings manufacturer AkzoNobel (Amsterdam) has named Renier Vree, formerly of design and engineering firm Arcadis, chief financial officer of its Specialty Chemicals business.

AkzoNobel

AkzoNobel has named Renier Vree chief financial officer of its specialty chemicals business.

The Dutch firm made the announcement Wednesday (Jan. 3), noting that Specialty Chemicals is set to be spun off into a separate entity this year.

Vree Background

Vree is an eight-year veteran of Arcadis, where he served as CFO and as a member of the executive board. Last year, he spent six months as interim CEO at the firm, until Peter Oosterveer was appointed to the position full-time.

Prior to Arcadis, Vree spent more than 20 years at Philips N.V., serving for part of that time as CFO of Philips Lighting.

“Renier will be an outstanding addition to our senior management team,” said Werner Fuhrmann, CEO of AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals. “He brings impressive executive experience with a strong track record of delivering operational performance, and will be instrumental in delivering on our ambitious growth plans.”

Pending Separation

Late last year, AkzoNobel shareholders approved a plan to separate the Specialty Chemicals business, either via demerger or via a private sale. The company expects the separation to take place in April.

Recent reports indicate that German chemical manufacturer Lanxess has teamed with investment firm Apollo in the interest of making a bid for the business, and two other consortia of capital firms are also interested in the unit.