AkzoNobel appoints Kathryn Ledson as Managing Director, UK & Ireland

AkzoNobel is pleased to announce the appointment of Kathryn Ledson as the new Managing Director for Decorative Paints UK & Ireland.  Kathryn will succeed José Antonio Jiménez, who will take on the role of Marketing & Commercial Excellence Director at the company’s global headquarters in the Netherlands. 

Kathryn, who joined AkzoNobel in 2011, has been instrumental in driving the company's international key accounts, pricing, sales excellence, and the ecommerce/digital strategic growth agenda. Since 2022, she has also led AkzoNobel’s Decorative Paints Central Europe North business, spanning Poland, Baltics and Ukraine. Prior to this, Kathryn served as the company’s global Marketing Director for Decorative Paints and also held several senior roles in the UK & Ireland business.

Since taking on the Managing Director role in 2021, José Antonio has led the business to remarkable success; building enduring strategic partnerships with key customers, significantly boosting financial performance and improving productivity across all areas of the business.

AkzoNobel has also announced that John Kourtoulos, currently Sales Director UK & Ireland, will move into a new role, as Managing Director Decorative Paints Central Europe North & Director of International Key Accounts. This well-deserved promotion acknowledges the many accomplishments he has achieved, the relationships he has nurtured and the significant contribution he has made during his tenure.

Kathryn Ledson says: "I am honored to take on the role of Managing Director for our Decorative Paints business in the UK & Ireland and continue building on the strong foundation laid by José Antonio. I look forward to working with our talented team and our customers and partners to drive further growth and innovation.” 

José Antonio Jiménez says: "It has been a privilege to lead the UK & Ireland business and witness the incredible achievements of our team over the past four years. I am confident that Kathryn will bring fresh perspectives and continue to propel the business, our brands and our customers forward." 

The change will be effective from April 1, 2025.

Source : AkzoNobel

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