Jan 17 2007
Akzo Nobel revealed 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.
Officially announcing the news today, Chairman Hans Wijers explained that moving to the Dutch capital would significantly improve international accessibility to the corporate HQ and help to drive the company’s future success.
“We are moving to Amsterdam because it will be a more convenient location for our businesses around the world,” he said. “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. As well as being one of the Netherlands’ fastest-growing international commerce centers, it is also situated close to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport and offers excellent public transport links.
However, Wijers added that renting the Zuidas office space would only be a temporary solution. “To show our long-term commitment to this important move, plans are being drawn up to design and construct a new, dedicated headquarters building in the nearby Beethoven project which will become the heart of the new Akzo Nobel,” he said. “With the separation of our Pharma activities on track, relocating to Amsterdam is also symbolic of our exciting new future as a focused Coatings and Chemicals company.”
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 & Engineering and Research Center personnel—who are not part of the corporate set-up, will also remain at the Arnhem site.
Commenting on the announcement, the Mayor of Amsterdam, Job Cohen, said he was extremely pleased that Akzo Nobel was planning to move to the Dutch capital. “Amsterdam has built up an enviable reputation as one of the world’s leading international business centers and I am delighted that a company of Akzo Nobel’s global stature is relocating its corporate headquarters to the city.”
The company will engage in careful consultation with the local works council for its advice on this intended move.