Reckitt Benckiser confirms Pepsico’s Laxman Narasimhan as its new figurehead
Reckitt Benckiser has poached Pepsi chief commercial officer Laxman Narasimhan to serve as its new chief executive officer with a pledge to ‘transform’ the consumer goods giant.
No stranger to high-profile roles Narasimhan currently serves as Pepsico’s global chief commercial officer, overseeing a digital transformation across the group. This success broad him to the attention of RB in its own search for an individual demonstrating leadership, a strategic and consumer focus and commitment to corporate responsibility.
Chris Sinclair, chairman of the board, remarked: "Laxman has exceptional strategic capabilities and consumer insight with a proven track record in developing purpose-led brands and driving consumer-centric and digital innovation.
“Laxman's initial priorities will be to focus on delivering outperformance, especially in the Health business unit, and to drive RB2.0.”
Narasimhan added: "It is a special company with a long history of outperformance, creating innovative products and iconic brands which improve the health and lives of people across the globe. I'm looking forward to working with an exceptional group of leaders over the coming years to continue to transform RB."
Narasimhan will be appointed to the board to serve as an executive director from 16 July before assuming his CEO mantle from incumbent Rakesh Kapoor on 1 September.