Three Key Execs To Retire From Procter & Gamble

Changes in the executive suite are in store for Procter & Gamble, but the company's CEO insists that he's got a stable of ready replacements who will keep P&G moving in the right direction. Dimitri Panayotopoulos, vice chairman and advisor to the chairman and CEO, will retire from the company, effective January 2, 2014, after 37 years of service. He joined P&G in 1977. He served in sales and general management roles spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, eventually overseeing all P&G brands as Vice Chair – Global Business Units. As previously announced, he was elected to his current role as advisor to the CEO effective July 1, 2013.

“We appreciate Dimitri’s considerable contributions over his long and successful career, building leading positions for the Company in Egypt and then the Middle East, China, Central and Eastern Europe, and Africa,” said A.G. Lafley, P&G chairman, president and chief executive officer. “He concluded his distinguished career by leading our global business units through challenging times.”

P&G also announced that Bruce Brown, chief technology officer, will retire on August 31, 2014, after more than 34 years of service. Until that time, effective February 1, 2014, Brown has been named officer on special assignment. Kathleen B. Fish, currently VP–R&D, global fabric care, has been elected chief technology officer, succeeding Brown, effective February 1, 2014. Fish will report to Lafley.

Robert L. Fregolle Jr., global customer business development officer, will retire on June 30, 2014, after more than 36 years of service. Until that time, effective February 1, 2014, Fregolle has been named officer on special assignment. Carolyn M. Tastad, currently VP–global market strategy & planning and one go-to-market optimization, has been elected global customer business development officer, succeeding Fregolle, effective February 1, 2014. Tastad will report to Werner Geissler, vice chairman–global operations and Lafley.

“These changes demonstrate the depth and strength of P&G’s leadership bench,” said Lafley. “Dimitri, Bruce and Bob have each served P&G for more than 34 years and have made a lasting, positive impact on the company. Kathy and Carolyn are experienced P&G leaders who will continue to strengthen our innovation and go-to-market capabilities going forward.”

Brown began his P&G career in 1980, and served in R&D roles his entire career, culminating in his election to the position of CTO in 2008. At P&G, the CTO is responsible for the company’s innovation capabilities and global R&D organization. During his nearly six years in this role, Brown has launched several important innovations and established the key technology platforms that will drive P&G’s innovation programs in the future.

Fish joined P&G in 1979 and has led R&D teams in most of P&G’s leading core categories over her 34-year career, including baby care, hair care and fabric care. Most recently, she led the R&D team behind the launch of Tide Pods and Downy Unstopables.

Fregolle joined P&G in 1979. He spent the majority of his P&G sales career outside of the US, in leadership roles across Central and Eastern Europe and Asia, before returning to the US to lead P&G’s global customer business development organization in 2009. During his 36-year career, he strengthened customer relationships across developed and developing markets and significantly increased the reach of P&G’s distribution around the world.

Tastad began her P&G career in 1983. She has deep experience leading sales and market development organizations for P&G businesses in the US, Canada, Europe and globally, and has worked in a range of businesses including deep experience in Health and Beauty.

In addition, P&G announced that Kirk Perry, currently president–global family care, will leave P&G effective December 2, 2013, to pursue other interests. Steven D. Bishop, currently group president–global feminine care, will be named group president–global feminine and family care. Mr. Bishop will continue to report to Martin Riant, group president–global baby, feminine and family care.