AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS - AkzoNobel has named Maëlys Castella chief financial officer.

She succeeds Keith Nichols, who stepped down in January. Castella will assume her new position on Sept.. Ton Büchner, AkzoNobel’s chief executive officer, will be in charge of CFO responsibilities until then.

Castella previously worked at Air Liquide for 14 years, most recently as group deputy CFO. Her positions also included Europe CFO and corporate finance and treasury director.

Castella will be nominated for appointment to AkzoNobel's Board of Management and will be located at the company’s headquarters in Amsterdam.