Kimberly-Clark announces executive changes

21 Jun '10

3 min read

Kimberly-Clark Corporation announced executive changes that will further enhance its focus on continuous improvement, global sourcing and sustainability. Jan Spencer, 55, currently president of Kimberly-Clark Professional, has been elected senior vice president, continuous improvement, sourcing and sustainability. Christian Brickman, 45, senior vice president and chief strategy officer for the company, has been elected president, Kimberly-Clark Professional, succeeding Spencer. Elane Stock, 45, currently national vice president of the American Cancer Society, will join the company in mid-August as senior vice president and chief strategy officer. Stock and Brickman will transition the strategy role through the end of August. The other executive changes are effective September 1, 2010.

"Jan, Chris and Elane have excellent track records leading significant business growth initiatives," said Chairman and CEO Thomas J. Falk. "Jan's extensive background driving operational effectiveness and sustainability across multiple areas of our business will contribute greatly to our ability to deliver on our Global Business Plan. Chris's general management and strategy experience make him the ideal successor to further strengthen our Kimberly-Clark Professional business. And, Elane has done significant management consulting with Fortune 500 companies in the consumer products and retail sectors that gives her the right experience to lead our company's strategic planning process."

In his new role, Spencer will be responsible for accelerating the adoption of business process improvement initiatives across the company's global operations, as well as driving sustainability initiatives deeper into the business units. Throughout his 32-year career with Kimberly-Clark, he has been a champion for driving operational effectiveness and efficiency across multiple areas of the business. In the early nineties, Spencer was responsible for the design and management of the Coleshill manufacturing facility in the U.K. and instilled a discipline of Lean operations principles. In his most recent role with Kimberly-Clark Professional, he has continued to drive growth across the business implementing Lean operations in manufacturing facilities, streamlining operations, and leading the acquisition and integration of Jackson Safety. Spencer has also been a champion for the company's sustainability efforts and was responsible for accelerating the company's commitments to long-term fiber policy through discussions with Greenpeace.

Brickman joined Kimberly-Clark in 2008 and has successfully guided the company through its ongoing strategic planning process and the evolution of its current Global Business Plan. Prior to joining the company, he served as a principal at McKinsey and Company. Earlier in his career, he was president and CEO of Whitlock Packaging, the largest U.S. specialty beverage packaging company, and was vice president and general manager of Latin America for Guinness Brewing Worldwide.

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