±±¾©Èü³µpk10

Between 70 and 80 staff have entered consultation ahead of the relocation to the Netherlands, which involves a reduction of the senior management teams and a new top-level structure for the decorative paints business.

Williams, who is managing director of AkzoNobel’s Northern Europe operation, will continue to lead the UK and Ireland business until the end of March next year, before handing over to a successor.

An AkzoNobel spokesman said the reason for Williams’ departure was a "personal decision".

It is understood Matt Pullen, North Europe marketing and business strategy director of AkzoNobel Deco, has entered into consultation and may apply for Williams’ position.

As part of the changes, the marketing function will be centralised in the Netherlands, but the company will retain local marketing and sales representatives in the UK.

A spokesman said the changes were part of a programme to increase the profitability of the business and "cut down duplication where it happens and simplify processes".

Changes are due to come into effect on 1 January and will involve the business being reduced from eight regions into five.

The new regions will include North and Central Europe, South-East Europe and Africa, India and South-East Asia, Latin America, China and North Asia.

AkzoNobel is reducing its number of regions comes after the divestment of its decorative paints business in North America at the end of last year.

Williams is departing after nine years with the business after he joined as managing director for the Dulux Decorator Centres.

He was made managing director of Northern Europe and international business development in September 2011, after rising up through the ranks.

Williams’ role saw him act as global lead for Kingfisher, which owns retailers B&Q and Screwfix.