Akzo Nobel India MD Amit Jain headed for European operations

Jain will be taking up an assignment with Akzo Nobel NV as Director, Decorative Paints, North & Central Europe

In yet another case of an Indian executive taking up bigger role in a multinational, Akzo Nobel India's MD Amit Jain will become Director of decorative paints segment in the European operations of parent Akzo Nobel NV from January next year.

Jain will be taking up an assignment with Akzo Nobel NV as Director, Decorative Paints, North & Central Europe, based in Amsterdam, with effect from January 1, 2014. He will continue in his present role until Dec 31, 2013, Akzo Noble India said in a filing to BSE.

"Succession arrangements will be announced in due course," the company added.

Commenting on Jain's elevation, Akzo Nobel India Chairman Nihal Kaviratne said: "Amit's elevation to this critical role is in recognition of the work he has done in transforming Akzo Noble India Ltd from a decorative paints company to a multi-segment business, capable of providing a coatings solution for ever customer need."

Jain is among the crop of Indian executives making it to global leadership positions in different multinationals.

Last month, global beverages and snacks major PepsiCo promoted India-born Sanjeev Chadha to the position of Chief Executive Officer of its Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA) region operations, spanning across 90 countries, including India and China.

Similarly, in July beverages giant Coca Cola had promoted India and West Asia CEO and President, Atul Singh, as Deputy President of the company's Pacific Group.