CEO Shakeup: Church & Dwight, Nike, Kind Get New Top Leadership
As we usher in the fall season, consumer goods companies are reprioritizing, optimizing their portfolios, and overhauling leadership to align with new goals. The three most recent companies to get a new leader at the helm include Church & Dwight, Nike, and Kind.
Church & Dwight has named Richard Dierker its new CEO and president beginning March 31. Dierker was promoted to the role following a unanimous board vote. He has been with the company for 15 years, most recently serving as its chief financial officer.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead this great company and continue to create shareholder value through innovation, technology, and accretive acquisitions,” said Dierker in a statement.
Also read: The hershey company taps new leader for U.S. confection business
The company’s current CEO and president Matthew Farrell will remain in the role through the transition period.
“I have worked closely with Rick for 15 years and know he is uniquely positioned to be our next CEO. Rick has the strategic thinking, leadership skills, and passion for execution to sustain our Evergreen model, our acquisition strategy, and value creation for years to come,” said Farrell.
Nike Leader Comes out of Retirement
Elliott Hill will be president and CEO starting October 14, joining the company's executive committee as he comes out of retirement to return to Nike.
Hill previously held various senior leadership roles during his time with Nike, responsible for overseeing business growth across Europe and North America. He was the president of consumer and marketplace, leading all commercial and marketing operations for Nike and the Jordan brand.
"For 32 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with the best in the industry, helping to shape our company into the magical place it is today,” said Hill in a statement. “I’m eager to reconnect with the many employees and trusted partners I’ve worked with over the years, and just as excited to build new, impactful relationships that will move us ahead."
John Donahoe, who is currently in the role, will be retiring from the company.
Kind Taps Mars Petcare Leader
Daniel Calderoni is taking on the CEO role at Kind Snacks, owned by Mars. He brings more than 20 years of global leadership experience driving strategic, sustainable growth through portfolio innovation, strong talent, and keeping a consumer-focused mindset, according to his LinkedIn.
He most recently served as the general manager for Mars Pet Nutrition in Canada, responsible for leading the pet nutrition portfolio of brands for the Canadian market, including Pedigree and Iams. He also held other roles at Mars including VP of emerging markets and general manager for the company’s South America region. Prior to Mars, Calderoni was the senior global brand manager for Unilever's laundry category.
Calderoni will report to Blas Maquivar, global president of health and wellness, Mars Snacking.
“We’re extremely pleased to welcome Daniel to Kind and the Mars health and wellness leadership team,” said Maquivar. “Daniel is highly regarded as a purpose and people-first leader, and we are excited that he brings a tremendous track record of growth to the Kind business.”
