fiona van den brink

Member of the Core Leadership Team of the Research Development & Innovation (RD&I) function for the company, reporting to the Corporate Director for RD&I (member of the Executive Committee). Led the project to design and implement a repeatable model to strengthen the front-end of the Core Innovation Process

Responsible for drafting and executing an integrated Industrial Chemicals Sustainability Strategy, for which we received the AkzoNobel Sustainability Award in 2010. In addition, I was responsible for the roll out of the AkzoNobel Carbon Policy within the business unit. This work included setting up a model to calculate the cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of 9 production locations in 5 countries and giving workshops to different functions about Sustainability in general and Greenhouse gas emissions specifically. During this time, I worked as a member of a Technical working group on a supplement to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which is issued by the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the World Resource Institute (WRI).

As Process technologist within the Mining Technology Department, I engaged in long term strategic planning and optimized piping infrastructure to decrease energy usage and increase flexibility.

As a plant technologist I learned the basics of working in a production environment, providing daily support to the production shifts and maintenance colleagues. In addition, I worked on a variety of projects to improve production capacity, lower production costs and increase the overall safety of the people and processes.

I scouted talented students at the University of Twente and introduced them to Ebbinge Campus.

Management of 4 Research groups of 30 persons in total, in the fields of Molecular Science, Material Science, Process Technology and Measurement and Analytical Services. The teams provide services to the company Business Units on project basis. In addition I was a member of the China R&D leadership team, covering more than 500 persons working in R&D in China.

AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people's lives more liveable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 45,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Dulux, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.