By CRM Staff
Toronto, Ontario — May 10, 2017 — David Smith, AkzoNobel’s Country Manager for Canada, has been appointed as the new US East Market Regional Sales Leader. In effect, Smith will now be in charge of all of the company’s US vehicle refinish operations east of the Mississippi.
Smith joined the AkzoNobel organization in 1993. He has held various positions in sales, operations and technical departments in the Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver areas. He was Regional Sales Manager for the Western Canadian market before his appointment as Country Manager for Canada in 2010.
This was a turbulent time for automotive refinish, as the switch from solventborne to waterborne coatings was in full swing. Smith’s deep experience across departments enabled him to lead AkzoNobel’s Canadian automotive refinish operations and help their bodyshop customers convert to waterborne coatings in a timely manner.
In his new role, Smith will define and own specific sales programs for the eastern US market. He will manage the regional sales force and organize a support infrastructure to execute sales processes that achieve organizational targets. Smith will also act as an ambassador for AkzoNobel, encouraging talent process and engagement, among other responsibilities.
“Dave has played an important role in strategically advancing our business,” said Doug Holmberg, North America Business Director, Vehicle Refinishes. “We are pleased to infuse someone with his level of industry knowledge and leadership experience into the East Market at such a significant time in our organization.”
For more information, please visit akzonobel.com.
