Guo Zhenhua: Speed ​​up the pace and create the future

Recently, Guo Zhenhua, President of Akzo Nobel China and North Asia, and Managing Director of Decorative Paint China and North Asia Business Group, accepted an exclusive interview with "CEO Magazine", telling the story behind the coatings, and the company's adherence to sustainable development and accelerating the pace to create the future Determination.

*The following interview was originally published in the June 2021 issue of "CEO Magazine" Asia Edition

People who like to explore have used colorful mud and thick liquid to make paint thousands of years ago, and express their thoughts and feelings by this.

In the 21st century, people are paying more and more attention to expressing themselves in creative ways.

By 2025, the global paint and coatings market will reach USD 223 billion.

More than 200 years ago, Akzo Nobel began to produce paints and coatings, and made its mark in the world through a brush stroke.

"We have continuously optimized our products and services to successfully exceed our expectations and the imagination of our customers.

Akzo Nobel is a multinational company headquartered in the Netherlands.

In addition, Akzo Nobel is also a leader in sustainable development.

Sustainable development is at the core of Akzo Nobel.

Is also the DNA of all businesses

"In 2020, we put forward a new concept of sustainable development around the three dimensions of'human beings, earth, and coatings', which can ensure that we maintain a leading position in the industry as a benchmark, and maximize the contribution of Create value.
" Guo Zhenhua said, "This new concept can help us protect the future of mankind and the planet.
Sustainability is the core of Akzo Nobel and the DNA of all our businesses.
"

As a leader in the paint and coatings industry, innovation is the cornerstone of Akzo Nobel's success.
The company has five technology centers and 70 laboratories around the world.
The Shanghai Technology Center in Songjiang, Shanghai is an important part of its R&D network.
Akzo Nobel’s team of scientists work closely with customers to develop sustainable solutions across fields.

"For us, innovation is not only reflected in products, but also in various aspects such as processes, services and ways of thinking, especially digitalization.
" Guo Zhenhua further explained, noting that the company has also extended the concept of sustainable development to partners Relationship.

"Wanhua Chemical Group is one of our long-term strategic partners.
We have been cooperating for a long time, especially in the coatings business.
Our close cooperation with Wanhua Chemical Group helps us in the field of sustainable innovation Provide customers with leading solutions.
"

Despite the great challenges posed by the new crown epidemic, Akzo Nobel remains committed to using its own strength to help build a healthier and more sustainable planet.
The company's four major decorative paint factories in China have all been transformed and upgraded to produce water-based paint.

In addition, Akzo Nobel continues to increase investment in the production of powder coatings that do not contain volatile organic compounds, actively responding to China's stringent environmental protection requirements.

"Last year, our cooperation with the Chemical Component Alliance of the Netherlands Advanced Research Center made breakthrough innovations.
It can be polymerized into resin only by using ultraviolet light, oxygen and renewable raw materials.
" Guo Zhenhua shared.

"This example is a good example of how we can use the power of innovation to open up a new pattern of infinite possibilities for the paint and coatings industry and create a more livable and sustainable world.
"

Akzo Nobel's vision of sustainable innovation has also been supported by more and more companies.
In 2019, Akzo Nobel launched the industry's first "Create the Future" Startup Challenge in the world, and explore the most innovative and sustainable solutions by building an innovative collaborative system with local start-ups.

This year, Akzo Nobel and Plug and Play China jointly organized the "Create the Future" China Startup Challenge, focusing on three key areas: digital customer experience, smart supply chain, and towards zero waste.
Guo Zhenhua is full of expectations for this challenge.
He said: "The holding of the'Creating the Future' China Startup Challenge has greatly boosted Akzo Nobel's innovation and development.
"

He introduced: "Akzo Nobel hopes to cooperate with start-ups, academia, research institutions and suppliers through the'Create the Future' Challenge to test, develop and expand revolutionary innovative solutions.
We are very happy to be here this year.
China holds a challenge to join hands with China’s top talents to accelerate innovation in the paint and coatings industry.
"

Akzo Nobel deeply recognizes that innovation comes from the exchanges and collisions between people of different backgrounds and industries, so the company actively advocates diversity in the workplace.
"Diversity and inclusiveness are the core requirements of all our work.
" Guo Zhenhua said.

"We have more than 32,000 talented employees around the world, and hope to continue to attract professionals from all regions to ensure that we can truly integrate into the society and market in which we operate.
"

"We also believe that the diversity of the management team is equally important, because a diverse and inclusive team can better help us understand our customers and meet their current and future needs through innovation.
"

Akzo Nobel's persistence and efforts have reaped rewards in many ways.
Not only did the company stand out with its innovative solutions, it also received the Best Employer certification last year in five major markets: China, the United Kingdom, Brazil, the United States and the Netherlands.

Guo Zhenhua said with a smile: "During my two years as the President of Akzo Nobel China and North Asia, I am most proud that the company has been awarded the honor of the best employer certification in China for eight consecutive years.
"

"Looking forward, we will continue to adhere to the'Grow and Deliver' strategy to lay a solid foundation, build a positive development momentum, and create an organization that meets the goals.
This strategy will also help us increase profit and market share, and further strengthen Aksu Nobel’s leadership in the paint and coatings industry.
"