Akzo Nobel relocates corporate head

Akzo Nobel has announced plans to move its corporate headquarters from Arnhem to Amsterdam. The relocation, which will involve approximately 100 people, is expected to take place in July.
“We are moving to Amsterdam because it will be a more convenient location for our businesses around the world,” said Hans Wijers, chairman of Akzo Nobel. “We must be closer to the international community in which we operate, because proximity to our key stakeholders is crucial. We are a global company, so it is only right that the board of management is based in a center of international commerce.”
The Board of Management and a number of employees working in departments that directly support the board will move to offices located in the Zuidas area of Amsterdam. Approximately 400 employees who also work for the corporate organization will continue to be based in Arnhem, where Akzo Nobel will retain its shared service center. Another 400 people, including technology and engineering and research center personnel, will also remain at the Arnhem site.