Reckitt Benckiser has named a new chief financial officer, with Liz Doherty set to leave after less than two years in the role.
Doherty, a former Unilever and Tesco executive, was appointed in November 2010 by Reckitt’s previous boss, Bart Becht.
But current Reckitt chief executive Rakesh Kapoor (pictured) today said: “Liz and I have agreed that the company’s and her way of working are not as well matched as either of us would like. Now is the right time for her to move to a new opportunity.”
She will be replaced by Adrian Hennah, who currently heads up the finance team at medical manufacturer Smith & Nephew. He will join Reckitt at the end of the year, with Doherty staying on until next March to oversee the transition.
“Adrian’s experience in the healthcare industry will be very valuable as we execute our strategy of extending our health and hygiene Powerbrands internationally, with a particular focus on emerging markets,” said Kapoor.
But some City analysts queried the move, Clive Black of Shore Capital noting the change with “considerable surprise”.
“Such change is disconcerting to our minds and we will need to digest this news and make sure nothing is untoward in the Reckitt camp,” Black wrote in a note to investors.
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