Organizations changes at P&G
Procter & Gamble has announced a string of organization changes, including the retirement of 37-year company veteran Dimitri Panayotopoulos, vice chairman and adviser to the chairman and CEO, effective Jan. 2, 2014.
Panayotopoulos 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,” stated A.G. Lafley, P&G chairman, president and CEO. “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 Aug. 31, 2014, after more than 34 years of service. Until that time, effective Feb. 1, 2014, Brown will serve as officer on special assignment. Kathleen B. Fish, currently VP research and development, Global Fabric Care, has been elected chief technology officer, succeeding Brown, effective Feb. 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 Feb. 1, 2014, Fregolle will serve as officer on special assignment. Carolyn M. Tastad, currently VP global market strategy and planning and One Go-to-Market Optimization, has been elected global customer business development officer, succeeding Fregolle, effective Feb. 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,” stated 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.”
In addition, P&G announced that Kirk Perry, currently president–Global Family Care, will leave P&G, effective Dec. 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. Bishop will continue to report to Martin Riant, group president–Global Baby, Feminine and Family Care.