Indian appointed global CEO of Dettol-maker

Another Indian will soon join the ranks of global chief executives of Indian origin. Dettol-maker Reckitt Benckiser on Thursday appointed Rakesh Kapoor as CEO to replace Bart Becht, who is retiring in September. HT reports.

Another Indian will soon join the ranks of global chief executives of Indian origin. Dettol-maker Reckitt Benckiser on Thursday appointed Rakesh Kapoor as CEO to replace Bart Becht, who is retiring in September.

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Kapoor, who has been with the company for 25 years is currently executive vice president, global category development.

"Kapoor has an outstanding track record of performance over many years. I have seen his considerable leadership and commercial skills in operation and he will be a strong leader," Becht said in a statement.

In 2006, Kapoor was appointed to the executive committee of the firm to lead Reckitt’s global Powerbrand strategies and innovations. During his tenure, Powerbrands share in Reckitt’s annual revenue have grown from 57% to 69% in 2010.

Besides driving organic growth at Reckitt — which had a market cap of R1,65,300 crore — Kapoor has also been instrumental in selective mergers and acquisitions in recent years including the SSL and the Paras India healthcare deals.

A graduate from XLRI Jamshedpur, Kapoor becomes CEO effective September 2011 with Becht staying on as parttime adviser till September 2012 to ensure smooth transition.