Abernathy (53) has extensive experience growing K-C's consumer businesses around the world. Under his leadership, the company's D&E businesses have generated growth in sales and operating profit averaging 15 percent and 14 percent, respectively, over the last four years.
He also has held management positions in K-C's North American diaper and tissue businesses, led the company's K-C Australia unit and served as head of the company's former Business-to-Business unit, which included K-C's Professional and Health Care businesses.
Black (48) brings considerable expertise to his new role as Group President of Developing & Emerging Markets. As former chief operating officer of Sammons Enterprises and president of Steelcase International, he has significant experience in leading large, complex global operations.
Palmer (48) has successfully established a global marketing organization that is driving implementation of best practices, sharing ideas and the development of marketing talent globally as an underpinning to improved brand strength and enhanced top- and bottom-line growth.
His leadership of the company's innovation organization is a natural progression for K-C, more closely integrating that group with the marketing and brand-building teams that currently report to him.