Rakesh Kapoor to take the role of CEO, Reckitt Benckiser; Bart Becht to retire

The Board of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (RB) announces the retirement of Bart Becht as CEO and is pleased to announce the appointment of Rakesh Kapoor as CEO designate. Rakesh Kapoor has a 25 year career with RB and is currently executive vice president global category development at RB and an Executive Committee member Rakesh Kapoor becomes CEO effective 1 September 2011 with Bart Becht staying on as part time adviser to Rakesh and the Board until September 2012 to ensure a smooth transition.

Rakesh Kapoor joined RB in India in 1987 and was appointed to the Executive Committee in 2006 to lead the two key drivers of RB's continued above industry-average growth ' its global Powerbrand strategies and innovations. Prior to this Rakesh had a highly successful career in RB, including leading the UK and Northern Europe business to the best financial performance these businesses have ever delivered. He has extensive experience of the household, health and personal care categories, and an intimate knowledge and understanding of consumers and retailers in both developing and developed countries.

Having led the pan-European and largest health care business in RB, when also leading Northern Europe, he was one of the architects of the Boots Healthcare International acquisition in 2006 which transformed RB into a global consumer health care company. He has been equally involved in the recent SSL and Paras India acquisitions.

Commenting on today's announcement, Adrian Bellamy, Chairman, 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.

"Consistent with its succession plan, the Board was unanimous in its choice of Rakesh as he has the necessary drive, strategic thinking and operational experience coupled with a more than intimate understanding of and capability to improve RB's financial performance and earnings model. He is supported by an excellent team of senior executives."

"On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Bart Becht for his outstanding contributions to Reckitt Benckiser at its helm and the performance delivered over the last 16 years. It is testament to his leadership that we are so well placed in terms of succession and depth of senior management strength."

Commenting on the announcement, Bart Becht, Chief Executive Officer, said: "I am honoured to have been CEO of Reckitt Benckiser, and to have had the opportunity to work with such an entrepreneurial, talented and innovative group of people who have created what I believe is the leading global home, health and personal care company. After 16 years in the role, I believe now is the right time to retire. We have the strongest senior management cadre we have ever had, our new CFO has bedded-in excellently and our SSL integration is on track and by September will be all but completed."

"It gives me great pleasure to see Rakesh as the new CEO of RB. He has an outstanding track record of performance over many years, with broad experience across developing and developed markets, and all categories. I have seen his considerable leadership and commercial skills in operation and he will be a strong leader for RB in the future."

Rakesh Kapoor, CEO designate, also commented: "I am delighted to take on this role and very much look forward to leading the business to its next stage of growth and performance, supported by an excellent senior management team."