ICI picks Philips supremo to unite paints divisions

ICI Paints, maker of the Dulux paints range, has appointed Philips Electronics director-general Richards Stukes as its first managing director to bring together its professional and consumer marketing divisions.

Kerris Bright, who heads Dulux’s retail marketing as category and brand director, and Alison Kukla, marketing director for the professional paints division, will both report to Stukes.

Stukes has most recently overseen the commercial business for Philips Electronics in Spain, although he previously spent 14 years in the UK lighting industry. A source says the appointment reflects ICI’s plan to bring together its trade and consumer businesses under a single management structure. ICI owns a range of leading paints brands as well as DIY brand Polycell and wood-care range Cuprinol.

The company has also recently simplified its agency roster. Last year, it consolidated its £8m media account into Initiative Media, dropping roster agencies PHD and Carat (MW September 11, 2004).

ICI has suffered a difficult few years. Although its paints division has been performing relatively strongly, problems with its chemical business forced the resignation of chief executive Brendan O’Neill after the company issued a profits warning in April 2003. His replacement, John McAdam, has since announced restructuring measures and the loss of about 1,400 jobs.