Colgate-Palmolive adds two members to board of directors

NEW YORK Colgate-Palmolive appointed Helene Gayle, president and CEO of Care USA, and Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis AG, to serve on its board of directors, effective March 1.

The company also announced that Jill Conway, a director since 1984, will retire from the board, effective May 7 at the end of her current term. Former president of Smith College, Conway has contributed to the company’s success for 26 years, especially through her focus on Colgate’s “pay per performance” programs, leadership succession practices and global diversity initiatives, the company stated.

Gayle currently guides the strategy and management of Care USA, a humanitarian organization. As an expert in the global public health field, she brings to Colgate’s board an understanding of the importance of health and hygiene around the world where Colgate’s oral and personal care products are sold.

Jimenez was named CEO of Novartis AG in January 2010, having previously led Novartis Pharmaceuticals and Novartis Consumer Health units beginning in 2007. Jimenez, whose experience also includes serving as former president and CEO of Heinz Europe and Heinz North America, brings to the board leadership experience in the consumer products industry.