Changes in leadership team at Clorox
The Clorox Company has promoted Nick Vlahos, currently SVP and chief customer officer, to EVP and chief operating officer of household, lifestyle and core global functions, a position previously held by retiring EVP-COO George Roeth.
In this role, Vlahos will have responsibility for the charcoal, Glad, cat litter, food, Brita and Burt's Bees business operating units. He will also have responsibility for the company's marketing, sales, product supply and research and development functions.
The company has also promoted Dawn Willoughby, currently SVP and GM for the company's cleaning division, has been promoted to EVP and chief operating officer of cleaning and international, a position previously held by CEO-elect Benno Dorer. As such, Willoughby will have responsibility for the laundry, home care, international and Canada business operating units.
"The board and executive management team's strong succession planning has enabled us to name Dawn and Nick to these roles, ensuring continuity and a smooth transition. They are tremendously capable leaders with deep experience,” Dorer said.
Vlahos has led a number of businesses, including laundry, Brita and Burt's Bees. During his time as general manager of Burt's Bees he led the brand's growth into more than 40 countries. Prior to Clorox, Nick launched his career at Helene Curtis.
Willoughby has served as VP and GM of home care and subsequently for Glad Products, where she led the brand's focus on sustainable waste management and break-through innovation. Since January 2013, she has led the company's largest reporting segment VP and GM of the cleaning division. Prior to Clorox, Willoughby spent nine years with Procter & Gamble.
The promotions follow the Sept. 18, announcement of Benno Dorer's promotion to CEO, which is effective Nov. 20, and the decision of EVP and chief operating officer of lifestyle, household and global operating functions George Roeth to retire from the company effective Jan. 2, 2015.
"George's impact and leadership during his 27 years at Clorox has been immense," said executive chairman-elect Don Knauss. "As EVP and COO for lifestyle, household and global operating functions, George has overseen development of the company's world-class consumer insights capabilities, increased contributions of new products to company sales results and enhanced efficiency and capability in the company's supply chain operations, among many other contributions. He has led the company's strategy to transform the company into a more agile enterprise, to drive our business with greater speed and efficiency and focus the company on work that delivers the highest value to our consumers."
"It's an exciting time for Clorox," Roeth said, "as the baton is passed to a new generation of leaders. It has been a privilege to work at such a great company with such a terrific group of people. I look forward to what the future holds and the next phase of my career, while assisting in a seamless transition at Clorox over the coming months."