Greg Poux-Guillaume: Celebrated as 2026 ICIS CEO of the Year

CEO Greg Poux-Guillaume Recognized as 2026 ICIS CEO of the Year

In a significant recognition of leadership and innovation within the chemical industry, Greg Poux-Guillaume, the Chief Executive Officer of AkzoNobel, has been awarded the title of 2026 ICIS CEO of the Year. This prestigious accolade is awarded by ICIS (Independent Commodity Intelligence Services), recognizing outstanding achievements in leadership within the chemical sector.

Greg expressed his deep gratitude upon receiving the award, stating, “I’m honored to receive this award on behalf of the entire AkzoNobel team and thank my peers for their recognition. This distinction is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the people of AkzoNobel.” His recognition comes at a pivotal moment as the company is preparing for a merger with Axalta Coating Systems. He emphasized that AkzoNobel is committed to leading the market in paints and coatings while continuing to prioritize sustainable innovation.

Dean Curtis, CEO of ICIS, highlighted the importance of acknowledging leaders who are influential in shaping the industry, comments that correlate with the collaborative nature of this award, as it is peer-reviewed. “There is no greater recognition than that of your peers,” he stated, underscoring the honor bestowed upon Greg.

One unique aspect of the ICIS CEO of the Year Award is how it is determined. The winner is selected through a voting procedure among industry CEOs included in the ICIS Top 40 Power Players list, which ranks leaders who have made significant positive impacts within their companies and the broader chemical landscape. The results are published in the ICIS Chemical Business publication, affirming the transparency and esteem associated with this recognition.

The selection process evaluates nominees based on their achievements in various domains including innovation (technology, product development, business processes), profitability and shareholder value, project management, advocacy, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) efforts.

Poux-Guillaume joined AkzoNobel as CEO and Chairman in November 2022, bringing a wealth of experience spanning over three decades across industrial businesses and private equity. With previous roles including CEO at Sulzer and leadership positions at GE Grid Solutions, Poux-Guillaume’s extensive experience underscores the capabilities he brings to AkzoNobel. He previously held significant roles with Alstom Group and CVC Capital Partners, along with consulting experiences at McKinsey & Company. His career began in exploration and production with TotalEnergies, highlighting a well-rounded background in both technology and management.

The journey ahead for AkzoNobel looks promising as the company embarks on its planned merger with Axalta Coating Systems, projected to create a global leader in the coatings industry with approximately $17 billion in sales. This strategic move aims to enhance product diversity and technological capabilities, providing innovative solutions to customers while maintaining a robust financial stance.

Previous recipients of the ICIS CEO awards include notable figures such as Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber of ADNOC, and Karen McKee, former president of ExxonMobil Product Solutions—showcasing a legacy of impactful leadership within this sector.

For AkzoNobel, this award not only serves as recognition of Greg Poux-Guillaume's individual leadership but also reflects the collective effort of a dedicated team committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the paints and coatings industry. As they navigate future challenges and opportunities, the company stands poised to lead with a clear vision and commitment to sustainability.

In receiving this award, Greg Poux-Guillaume emphasizes the essential nature of collaboration within the industry—a sentiment echoed by his peers as they recognize his valuable contributions to AkzoNobel and beyond. The spotlight on Greg and AkzoNobel serves as an inspiration for many in the industry, reinforcing the importance of leadership that prioritizes innovative advancements and environmental responsibility.