Akzo Nobel appoints new General Manager of Car Refinishes

Akzo Nobel appoints new General Manager of Car Refinishes Arnhem, the Netherlands, March 12, 2004 - Akzo Nobel has announced that Rinus Rooseboom (57), Senior Group Director Coatings, will be appointed General Manager of the Car Refinishes business unit, effective April 1, 2004. He will succeed Cor de Grauw (54) who will be heading the new Nobilas business unit. Mr. Rooseboom, a business economics graduate of the University of Groningen, and a chartered accountant, started his career with Akzo Nobel at the former Enka fiber division in 1970. After a number of years in business economics-related positions, he was appointed General Manager Royal Talens in 1983. In 1986, Mr. Rooseboom became Executive Vice-President of the Divisional Board of Akzo Coatings. After the Nobel acquisition in 1994, he was appointed General Manager of the Decorative Coatings South business unit. Over a period of 14 years Mr. Rooseboom successfully stimulated expansion of Akzo Nobel's decorative/architectural paints business in Western Europe, Africa, the Americas and the Far East. In 2000, he became Senior Group Director Coatings with specific responsibility at Group level for Technology and Engineering, Health, Safety and Environmental Affairs, Information Management, Research & Development, and Purchasing. During this period he has been highly instrumental in streamlining the portfolio and improving the performance of the Coatings Group. Note for the editor Akzo Nobel, based in the Netherlands, serves customers throughout the world with healthcare products, coatings and chemicals. Consolidated sales for 2003 totaled EUR 13 billion. The Company currently employs approximately 64,500 people in more than 80 countries. The financial results for the first quarter will be published on April 20, 2004. Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes supplies paint, decals, services and software for car repair, commercial vehicle and automotive markets. The main brands include Sikkens® and Lesonal® in car repair, and Sikkens Autocoat® BT in commercial vehicles. Automotive plastic interior and exterior components customers are also served under Akzo Nobel Car Refinishes. Sales for 2003 of all activities totaled EUR 880 million. Internet: www.akzonobel.com; www.carrefinishes.com Not for publication - for more information Akzo Nobel N.V. Corporate Media Relations, tel. +31 26 366 4343 Safe Harbor Statement* This press release may contain statements which address such key issues as Akzo Nobel's growth strategy, future financial results, market positions, product development, pharmaceutical products in the pipeline, and product approvals. Such statements should be carefully considered and it should be understood that many factors could cause forecasted and actual results to differ from these statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, price fluctuations, currency fluctuations, developments in raw material and personnel costs, pensions, physical and environmental risks, legal issues, and legislative, fiscal, and other regulatory measures. Stated competitive positions are based on management estimates supported by information provided by specialized external agencies. For a more complete discussion of the risk factors affecting our business please refer to our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. A copy of which can be found on the Company's website. * Pursuant to the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act 1995. ------------------------------------------------------------ This information was brought to you by Waymaker http://www.waymaker.net The following files are available for download: http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/03/12/20040312BIT00060/wkr0001.doc http://www.waymaker.net/bitonline/2004/03/12/20040312BIT00060/wkr0002.pdf