Laxman Narasimhan is to step down as chief executive of Reckitt Benckiser at the end of September after three years at the helm of the UK-based consumer goods group.
The company said on Thursday that Narasimhan had decided to move to the US for “personal and family reasons” and to pursue “an opportunity that enables him to live there”.
Nicandro Durante, the senior independent director who was previously chief executive of British American Tobacco, will take over temporarily while the company seeks a permanent replacement.
The maker of Dettol cleaning products and Nurofen painkillers said that, since his appointment in September 2019, Narasimhan had “led a successful rejuvenation of the company’s strategy, execution and foundational capabilities”.
Durante was “deeply familiar with the strategy and direction of Reckitt, having been on the board for a number of years. Under his leadership, Reckitt will continue to implement its current successful strategy,” the company added in a statement.
Narasimhan said he was “extremely proud of what we have accomplished together in these last three years”, adding that “although it is difficult to leave, it is the right decision for me and my family”.