CORUS yesterday ousted the chairman of its Dutch operations in a move designed to bolster boardroom unity in the Anglo-Dutch steelmaker.

The decision to remove Peter Jongenburger from the helm of the unit after four years in the post angered the Dutch supervisory board, the management advisory organisation that comprises worker representatives and unions.

Cor Radings, of the supervisory board, said that Mr Jongenburger had successfully represented the interests of the Dutch operation and of its unions and workers and that the board would oppose the move. The supervisory board does not want to see the role go to an executive at the main Corus board.

Mr Jongenburger will remain as chief technology officer and managing director of research and development at the company.

A spokesman for Corus said that the move was “appropriate as we have now got better links between Corus and the Netherlands operation.”

Two years ago the steelmaker was in effect at war with itself when the Dutch operation blocked the sale of an aluminium business because if feared that the proceeds would be swallowed by losses in Britain.

Marjan Oudeman will act as interim chairman until a replacement is found for Mr Jongenburger.

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