Kimberly-Clark announces executive changes

DALLAS The company behind Kleenex and Scott has announced executive changes that "will further enhance its focus on continuous improvement, global sourcing and sustainability."

Current company president Jan Spencer was named SVP continuous improvement, sourcing and sustainability, while Kimberly-Clark's current SVP and chief strategy officer, Christian Brickman, will succeed Spencer in his new role as president. Elane Stock, who currently serves as national VP of the American Cancer Society, will join the company in mid-August as SVP and chief strategy officer.

Stock and Brickman will transition the strategy role through the end of August. The other executive changes are effective Sept. 1.

"Jan, Chris and Elane have excellent track records leading significant business growth initiatives," said chairman and CEO Thomas Falk. "Jan's extensive background driving operational effectiveness and sustainability across multiple areas of our business will contribute greatly to our ability to deliver on our global business plan. Chris's general management and strategy experience make him the ideal successor to further strengthen our Kimberly-Clark Professional business. And Elane has done significant management consulting with Fortune 500 companies in the consumer products and retail sectors that gives her the right experience to lead our company's strategic planning process."

Kimberly-Clark also named Nancy J. Karch, director emeritus of McKinsey and Co. -- an independent management consulting firm -- to its board of directors. 

Commenting on Karch's election to the board, Falk said, "Nancy is a recognized expert in general merchandise retailing and has a strong background in corporate strategy, marketing and consumer packaged goods. This experience, combined with her management consulting background, will greatly benefit our company."