Tex Gunning is a member of AkzoNobel’s Board of Management and Executive Committee until 26 April 2013. He is also a member of TNT Express’ Supervisory Board, a role he will relinquish with immediate effect.
Tex Gunning (age 62) has been a member of AkzoNobel’s Board of Management and Executive Committee with responsibility for Decorative Paints since 2009. During this tenure, Tex played a crucial role in the integration of ICI’s paints activities, resulting in substantial synergy savings. He also oversaw the turnaround of Decorative Paints in North America, substantially restructured the European activities and grew the business significantly in other markets.
Prior to AkzoNobel, Tex was CEO of Vedior, which he successfully merged with Randstad in 2008. Tex’s career also includes more than 25 years with Unilever.
"Tex’s extensive business experience and track record in successfully turning around businesses and delivering results make him the ideal candidate in this critical time for the company," said Antony Burgmans, Chairman of the Supervisory Board. "He is also an inspiring leader and we look forward to Tex stepping into his new role and helping the company realise its improvement plans. The combination of Tex and Bernard is an ideal Executive Board. I also want to recognise Bernard’s and Jeroen’s enormous contributions over the past months and their commitment to support the company going forward."
Tex Gunning said: "I am honoured to be part of TNT Express and look forward to leading the company alongside Bernard, with support from the extended management team. I fully endorse the improvement plan that is being developed and am fully committed to its successful implementation."
Tex Gunning’s appointment is on the agenda of the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on 10 April 2013. Until 1 June, Bernard Bot and Jeroen Seyger will remain in their interim positions of CEO and CFO, respectively. A key priority will be finalisation of the improvement plans that will be presented at the upcoming strategy update on 25 March 2013.