Kimberly-Clark names leadership amid Kenvue acquisition plans
The roles and responsibilities are intended to create clearer accountability while keeping decision-making close to markets.
USA – Kimberly-Clark has outlined the post-closing leadership team for its planned Kenvue acquisition, keeping Mike Hsu as chairman and CEO of the combined company.
The structure is designed to support the company’s fast-and-lean operating model and its Powering Care strategy as the transaction moves toward a planned second-half 2026 closing.
Hsu will continue to lead the combined business as chairman and CEO.
Mike Hsu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kimberly‑Clark, stated, “We are excited to name the leadership team that will guide us forward to create a new kind of health and wellness company poised to raise the standard of care for billions of consumers across every stage of life.”
“Our team was selected after a thorough and thoughtful process and reflects leaders with the right blend of experience, capabilities, and technical expertise to unlock the full potential of our combined portfolio, iconic brands, and talented people.”
Reporting directly to him will be Russ Torres, Group President and Chief Operations Officer; Nelson Urdaneta, Chief Financial Officer; Stacey Valy Panayiotou, Chief Human Resources Officer; and Jeff Melucci, Chief Strategy, Business Development, and Administrative Officer.
Kimberly-Clark also named John Carmichael as President, North America; Katy Chen as President, Asia Pacific Focus Markets; and Carlton Lawson as President, EMEA.
Torres will also oversee several other executives in the operating structure.
The following leaders will report to Mr. Torres: Anindya Dasgupta, President Enterprise Markets; Carlos De Jesus, Chief Growth Officer; Craig Slavtcheff, Chief Research & Development Officer; Tamera Fenske, Chief Supply Chain Officer; Michael Wondrasch, Chief Consumer Growth Technology Officer; and Francesco Tinto, Chief Information and Global Business Services Officer.
The leadership team for the combined company will also include Leonardo Curado, General Manager LATAM, who will report to Mr. Dasgupta.
Jonathan Halvorson, Chief Marketing Officer, will report to Mr. De Jesus, while Grant McGee, General Counsel; Russell Dyer, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer; and Alan Ross, Head of Strategy, will report to Mr. Melucci.
These reporting lines are meant to keep decision-making close to the business while clarifying accountability across markets and functions.
The leadership announcement comes as Kimberly-Clark prepares for its pending acquisition of Kenvue, a deal the company says remains on track to close in the second half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
Kimberly-Clark framed the move as part of a broader post-closing organizational design meant to combine the two companies into a more integrated global consumer health and wellness business.
The company also noted that the combined company will keep Kimberly-Clark’s Irving, Texas headquarters and retain a significant presence in Kenvue locations.
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