Reckitt Benckiser Promotes MR Leader to CEO

In the UK, consumer goods giant Reckitt Benckiser has promoted SVP of Category Development Rakesh Kapoor to Chief Executive Officer, following the retirement of Bart Becht. The firm's Board of Directors described Kapoor as its 'unanimous choice'.

Kapoor (pictured), who has been with the Reckitt Benckiser Group for almost 25 years, was most recently responsible for marketing strategy, while overseeing research and development, market research and product design.

He joined the group in 1987 as Regional Sales Manager for Northern India, and relocated in 1997 to the UK, where he was later promoted to SVP, Regional Director, Northern Europe, and then to EVP for Global Category Development.

The company says Kapoor's understanding of consumers and retailers in both developing and developed countries gives him an edge for the new role, adding that 'consumer insight is in his blood'.

Becht, who has worked for the company for 16 years, will stay on as an advisor to the Board and to Kapoor, who officially takes the reins in September.

Commenting on the appointment, Chairman Adrian Bellamy said: 'The Board is delighted that someone of Rakesh Kapoor's calibre is able to step into the role of CEO. His close involvement in the drivers of success at RB and significant achievements to date are reassurance that the excellent performance for which RB has become renowned is set to continue.'

Web site: www.rb.com .