RB gives the go-ahead for restructure of UK business
Reckitt Benckiser (RB), the owner of brands including Dettol, Nurofen and Lemsip, is to integrate its household/personal care and healthcare businesses.
The move will bring the UK business in line with RB in other markets, where it already operates as a single business unit.
Former general manager of RB Healthcare Camillo Pane will head the integrated business and report to Brendan Collins, regional director of RB Northern Europe.
Pane will be supported by incumbent marketing directors Stefan Gaa (healthcare) and Phil Thomas (household/personal care).
RB says by integrating the business, it will become one of the leading FMCG companies in the UK and one of the market’s largest advertisers.
RB adds that the restructure will “provide a quicker, more efficient service to customers”. The new structure for the UK business will also provide “greater focus” and give the UK “greater influence in driving innovation” across global and UK brands in the portfolio, including Vanish, Strepsils and E45.
The integration will mean 90 commercial roles will relocate from RB’s offices in Hull to Slough. All senior managers affected by the restructure will continue to work with the integrated UK business or move to roles in the Northern Europe regional business.
The change will be effective from April 2010.
RB has just appointed Havas Media Group and Publicis Groupe as its two lead global media agencies to handle its £800m media planning and buying account for brands including Cillit Bang and Finish.
