Karen Collins has joined AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishing team. She will take over the role of Sales Support Specialist, UK and Ireland from Laura Taylor who has stepped up to a position with global responsibility.

Karen has been with the paints and coatings company since 2007, holding various roles in customer support and HR. This has allowed here to gain an in depth understanding of the company which will ensure she can rise to the new challenge.

Her new brief includes responsibility for introducing and maintaining products and services from the Sikkens, Lesonal and Dynacoat vehicle refinishing brands within the UK and Irish markets. She will oversee the PR and marketing budget and will ensure that all three brands achieve a high year round profile in the trade press and through the company’s brand websites. Other specific duties involve organising annual programmes of exhibitions and providing a range of tools and support to AkzoNobel’s sales and technical teams. Karen will report to, and work closely with, Jon Amor, VR Premium Sales Manager, UK and Ireland.

Commenting on her appointment Karen said, “I am very much looking forward to supporting our sales and technical teams, and to learning more about the technical aspects of our products.”