Procter & Gamble announces organizational changes
CINCINNATI Procter & Gamble has announced that its president of global prestige products will be stepping down from his post after more than 28 years of service.
Hartwig Langer, president global prestige products, will retire effective Jan. 1, 2010. He will step down as division president on July 1, 2009, but will continue to serve in a special assignment to ensure a smooth transition, reporting to Ed Shirley, vice chairman of global beauty and grooming, until his retirement.
Under Mr. Langer's leadership, P&G fine fragrances has become one of P&G's fastest-growing and successful businesses. Today, P&G global prestige products is one of the world's largest prestige fragrance businesses globally with many of the largest, most desirable brand names in the industry, such as Hugo Boss, Lacoste, Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci. In total, P&G has 23 prestige brands.
"Hartwig has been a game-changing leader and strategist," said Shirley. "He has succeeded by turning the industry's conventional business model on its head by challenging the industry paradigm that being in touch with the consumer would not yield fresh insights in an industry dominated by creative individuals. He has left an enduring legacy at P&G and in the beauty industry."
Patrice Louvet, VP future strategy & growth, global prestige products, has been elected president, global prestige products, succeeding Langer. Louvet will report to Shirley, and will continue to be located in Geneva, Switzerland.
"Patrice Louvet is the right leader to succeed Hartwig. He is well-positioned to sustain and strengthen the growth of P&G Prestige where he has been serving as vice president - future strategy and growth for some time," Shirley said. "With more than 20 years experience in the company, and 15 years in beauty, he has successfully led several of P&G's businesses in multiple regions. He is a cosmopolitan leader with experience in Europe, Asia and North America. And, he is a beauty expert whose experience in skin, hair and color cosmetics will help us further grow our Prestige Beauty business on the strong foundations in place today."