Reckitt Benckiser CEO steps down

He will be replaced by Rakesh Kapoor, currently executive vice president of global category development, from September. Kapoor joined RB in 1987 and is a member of the company’s executive committee.

Kapoor is credited with overseeing the acquisition of Boots Healthcare International in 2006, which RB says transformed the business into a global consumer health care company.

He was also involved in the acquisition of Durex owner SSL last year.

Becht will remain at RB as a part time adviser to Kapoor and the board until September 2012 in the hope of ensuring an orderly transition.

Adrian Bellamy, RB chairman, says: “Kapoor’s close involvement in the drivers of success at RB and significant achievements to date are reassurance that the excellent performance for which RB has become renowned is set to continue.”

“Rakesh has the necessary drive, strategic thinking and operational experience coupled with a more than intimate understanding of and capability to improve RB’s financial performance and earnings model.”