Aug. 26, 2011—AkzoNobel on Thursday announced Margret Kleinsman was appointed as general manager for Automotive & Aerospace Coatings Americas (A&AC).

Kleinsman will oversee the A&AC vehicle refinishes and commercial vehicle business operations in the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America.

“Margret has a proven leadership track record and brings an unprecedented perspective to our businesses in the Americas,” said Jim Rees, global general manager for A&AC. “The collision repair market in the Americas is constantly evolving. New automotive technologies, a growing interest in sustainable business practices and the need to develop a more knowledgeable and diverse workforce; each are key issues that AkzoNobel must embrace. Margret’s background and experience will be extremely beneficial as our industry evolves and we work to bring new innovations to help our customers in these areas.”

“The Americas is considered to be a key strategic sector for AkzoNobel. A&AC has earned a leadership position within the Americas by delivering superior products and services that enable our distribution partners and collision repair customers to build and maintain sustainable businesses,” Kleinsman said. “I look forward to continuing to be an agent for change that will aid all stakeholders in advancing our mutual interests.”

AB Ghosh precedes Kleinsman as general manager of A&AC Americas. Ghosh was appointed as global general manager for AkzoNobel Powder Coatings, headquartered in Sassenheim, Netherlands.