Lahore, August 2016: AkzoNobel invited people around the world to
follow a great adventure today when it was announced that the company has
joined forces with Dutch sailor Simeon Tienpont to form team AkzoNobel, with
the express aim of winning the 2017/2018 Volvo Ocean Race safely and
sustainably. Team AkzoNobel is the first to enter the forthcoming edition of
the competition.
Entering a team into the world’s
premier offshore sailing race – which will visit 11 host cities – will enable
the company to connect with new and existing audiences and customers over a
prolonged period of time, as well as continuing its proud maritime heritage.
Twice winner of the America’s Cup
and a two-time participant in the Volvo Ocean Race, Tienpont is an ambitious
and inspirational partner. A natural born leader and skipper of the team, he
reflects many of the qualities the company values in its own employees.
“This is a unique opportunity for
us to harness our combined energy and ambition, channeling it into a
sustainable partnership,” said AkzoNobel CEO Ton Büchner. “It will also enable
us to captivate people around the world and explore new business opportunities
while highlighting how we create everyday essentials to make people’s lives
more liveable and inspiring.”
Speaking at today’s launch event
in Scheveningen, the Netherlands, Conrad Keijzer, the company’s Executive
Committee member responsible for Performance Coatings, added: “Partnering with
Simeon is a winning combination. It brings together our market-leading
performance in marine and yacht coatings with a true leader who puts teamwork
first and is both determined and inspirational – qualities we value highly at
AkzoNobel.”
Trained as a naval architect and
engineer, Tienpont (34) is no stranger to winning demanding endurance races,
having triumphed in the America’s Cup in 2010 and 2013. “I’m honored and
incredibly excited to be the skipper of team AkzoNobel,” he said. “We’re both
focused on high performance and share the same passion for success. I can’t
wait to start racing.”
Today’s launch took place in
front of Scheveningen Pier (close to where the race will end), which provided a
colorful backdrop for the event. Fifty of the famous landmark’s pillars were
recently coated by AkzoNobel to provide essential protection against the tides
and the elements. The race will also present more opportunities to invest in
local communities and make them more livable and inspiring.
Due to start in October 2017 and
end in mid-2018, the world famous race – which attracts millions of followers –
will stop at the following cities: Alicante (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), Cape
Town (South Africa), Hong Kong, Guangzhou (China), Auckland (New Zealand),
Itajaí (Brazil), Newport (US), Cardiff (Wales), Gothenburg (Sweden), The Hague
(The Netherlands).
About AkzoNobel
The AkzoNobel Group acquired ICI
in 2008 bringing together the innovation, leadership and expertise of both
companies. In 2011, The Board of Directors of ICI Pakistan Limited approved a
proposal from its ultimate holding company, Akzo Nobel N.V. to restructure its
interest in ICI Pakistan Limited by separation of the Paints Business into a
separate legal entity through a scheme of demerger. As of June 1, 2012, they
are now operating as AkzoNobel Pakistan.
With thier head office in Lahore
and branches across the country, the AkzoNobel Pakistan family consists of over
250 talented people and many others associated indirectly, all committed to
excellence and passionate about providing sustainable solutions to our
customers.
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