Directorate Change

21 Jan 2013 12:00 GMT Reckitt Benckiser announces the Retirement of the Executive Vice President, Latin America & Asia Pacific, and appoints successor Reckitt Benckiser Group plc (RB) announces that Freddy Caspers, Executive Vice President for the Latin America and Asia Pacific area (LAPAC), and Executive Committee member, will retire on 30 June 2013. Roberto Funari, currently Group Marketing Director and Executive Committee member, Imperial Tobacco PLC, will join RB as his successor. Freddy Caspers, a German national, is retiring after a16-year career with RB, during which he has served in a number of roles across the world and has been a key contributor to the successful growth of the emerging markets. Shortly after joining RB he was appointed EVP for Eastern Europe, then EVP Rest of the World, then EVP of Developing Markets and in 2011 EVP of LAPAC. Roberto Funari, a Brazilian national, is rejoining RB following two years at Imperial Tobacco. In his prior 12-year career with RB, Roberto rose rapidly through the organisation, holding increasingly senior marketing and general management roles in both emerging and developed markets, including Brazil, Netherlands, South Africa and Central Europe. His last role was as global category officer for fabric and home care. He will rejoin the business on 1 March to enable a comprehensive handover and smooth transition. Rakesh Kapoor, RB chief executive, said: "I would like to thank Freddy for his immense contribution to the growth and success of the company. As a clear example of the scale of his contribution since the merger, our developing markets business has grown at double digits, substantially ahead of market growth. At the same time, operating margins are now close to 20%. Importantly, he has built a strong organization across his regions and has helped to develop the next generation of management talent. He advised me of his desire to retire some time ago, ensuring we were able to carefully plan his succession to minimise any disruption. All of us in the company wish Freddy a long, healthy and happy retirement." Rakesh Kapoor continued, "I am delighted to be welcoming back Roberto Funari, a highly respected and liked colleague globally. His achievements at Imperial Tobacco show that he has continued to grow his experience and leadership. RB's goal is to grow emerging markets from 42% in 2012 to 50% of our company's core net revenue by 2016. I am very confident that Roberto will be a key driver in the delivery of this result, as was Freddy before him." -ENDS- For further information please contact: RB +44 (0)1753 217800 Richard Joyce Director, Investor Relations Andraea Dawson-Shepherd +44 (0)1753 446447 SVP, Global Corporate Communication & Affairs Brunswick (Financial PR) +44 (0)20 7404 5959 David Litterick
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