K-C names former McD’s exec as VP, treasurer

DALLAS — Kimberly-Clark has named Karen Leets as its new VP and treasurer, succeeding Nancy Loewe, who will continue to serve as the company's chief strategy officer. Leets will report to SVP and CFO Mark A. Buthman.

In her new role, Leets will be responsible for the entire treasury practice at Kimberly-Clark, including capital markets, cash planning, global cash and foreign exchange management, real estate and banking and rating agency relationship management.

She was previously VP and treasurer of building-materials manufacturer USG Corporation in Chicago. In that role, she was responsible for managing liquidity for funding global operations and a range of other treasury functions.

Before joining USG, she was assistant treasurer for McDonald's Corporation, and she started her career with a precursor of PriceWaterhouseCoopers. Leets earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from Indiana State University in Terra Haute, Ind.

"Karen has a collaborative style and a track record of leading organizations through times of economic or organizational change," said Buthman. "With her experience, she already is familiar with many of the tools we use at K-C. I'm excited about Karen's perspective and the diversity of thinking she will bring to our leadership team."