GOTHENBURG, Sweden, April 18, 2012 (Press Release) -AkzoNobel Pulp and Performance Chemicals (formerly Eka Chemicals) has developed a new business strategy and management team that became effective April 1, 2012. The name change reflects a move of focus within the business strategy, in which technologies and global markets form the basis for future growth.

The name Eka will stay as a product brand for the pulp and paper industry. Other product brands such as Compozil, Bindzil, Kromasil and Expancel will be promoted in relevant existing and new market areas.

"We are globalizing our business operations in order to further strengthen our market position," comments Managing Director Ruud Joosten. "The goal is to give current and future customers, together with our shareholders, full value from our position as a world-leading actor. We will maintain a strong focus on sustainability and the development of new products and applications across a number of technical areas."

The new strategic focus will broaden the scope of the business and accelerate expansion into new markets.

"We are going to focus on innovative solutions for the future and we see a large potential in bleaching chemicals, silica technology, polymers and expandable microspheres, which are some of the key areas for growth in the long term," adds Joosten.

The new management team includes:

Ruud Joosten, Managing Director

Mario Houde, Director, Bleaching Chemicals

Lars Andersson, Director, Silica and Paper Chemicals

Niklas Larsson, Director, Specialty Products

Pernilla Heidenvall, Director, Legal Affairs PPC

Gijsberth de Ruiter, Director, Finance and Control, Information Management

Agneta Gerdner, Director, Human Resources and Communication

Byron Smith, Director, Strategy and Transformation