A Dutch citizen, Gunning joined Vedior NV in 2007, successfully completing its negotiated sale to Randstad in May of this year. Prior to that, he spent 25 years 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 profitable growth, but also oversaw the regional integration with Best Foods.

“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,” said AkzoNobel CEO Hans Wijers. “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.”

“I accepted Hans Wijers’ offer to join AkzoNobel with great pleasure. 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,” said Gunning.

Gunning will succeed David Hamill, who 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.