Reckitt Benckiser Group plc has named PepsiCo’s global chief commercial officer Laxman Narasimhan as its new chief executive officer, effective 1 September 2019.
He will succeed Rakesh Kapoor and join the British consumer goods company as the CEO-designate.
Narasimhan will also be appointed to the company’s board as an executive director, effective 16 July.
In his new role, Laxman will serve as group chief executive officer at Reckitt Benckiser, and will also directly lead its health business unit.
'Exceptional Strategic Capabilities'
Commenting on the appointment, chairman of the board, Chris Sinclair, said, “Laxman has exceptional strategic capabilities and consumer insight with a proven track record in developing purpose-led brands and driving consumer-centric and digital innovation.”
“This, combined with his excellent people engagement and leadership skills, gives the Board confidence that he will continue to evolve the strong culture of RB and deliver outperformance,” he explained.
Industry Veteran
Narasimhan is an industry veteran and has been a member of the PepsiCo executive committee for the last four years, reporting to the chairman and chief executive.
His role involves leading strategy, global category groups, global R&D and implementing an advanced digital capability across the PepsiCo business.
© 2019 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Dayeeta Das. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
