News Markets & Companies
Akzo Nobel appoints Fredrik Westin as new CFO from January 2026
Akzo Nobel has announced that Fredrik Westin will take over as Chief Financial Officer on 1 January 2026, succeeding Maarten de Vries. The handover is part of a planned succession process.
Akzo Nobel has confirmed that Fredrik Westin will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer from 1 January 2026. He will succeed Maarten de Vries, who will complete his second four-year term as CFO and Board of Management member in April 2026. The appointment follows a structured transition process.
Fredrik Westin, a Swedish national, brings over 25 years of international experience in the industrial and automotive sectors. Since May 2020, he has served as CFO and Executive Vice-President at Autoliv, an automotive safety supplier listed in the US and Europe. Prior to that, he held CFO positions at Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology and Johnson Controls.
Focus on operational efficiency and growth
According to Ben Noteboom, Chair of Akzo Nobel’s Supervisory Board, Westin’s track record in driving profitability and improving operational efficiency will support the company’s growth ambitions. CEO Greg Poux-Guillaume emphasised that Maarten de Vries has played a key role in transforming Akzo Nobel into a more focused and data-driven paints and coatings business, and that Westin is well placed to continue this development.
Fredrik Westin stated that he is honoured to join Akzo Nobel and looks forward to supporting the company’s strategic transformation alongside the executive team. His nomination to Akzo Nobel’s Board of Management will be subject to shareholder approval. Maarten de Vries will remain on the Board to ensure a smooth transition until the end of his term in April 2026.
