Gregoire Poux-Guillaume becomes the new CEO on 1 November this year, taking over from Thierry Vanlancker.

Major European executive Nils Andersen joins AkzoNobel as chairman; senior non-executive Colin Day takes Euromoney audit role; and Telit beefs up its board.

Shareholder body writes to AkzoNobel, the Dulux paint maker, complaining that the company is looking at a fresh merger proposal after publicly stating it would “go it alone”.

AkzoNobel, the Dutch paint maker, has clashed again with shareholders, this time over the appointment of a director.

Unilever this year defeated a takeover bid from American rival Kraft. But the episode has prompted questions over the Anglo-Dutch group’s ability to maintain its much-envied sustainable business model.

Elliott Advisors launches fresh attack on Dutch paint maker over newly appointed chief executive Thierry Vanlancker, claiming it raises “significant legal and reputational risks”.

Shareholders demand an investigation of management and call an extraordinary general meeting to vote on the future of chairman Antony Burgmans.

Board of Dutch paint maker under pressure from US fund manager after it rejects third takeover offer.