Kimberly-Clark Promotes Russ Torres to President and Chief Operating Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) has promoted Russ Torres to President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Torres, who previously served as President, North America, will now oversee day-to-day operations of business segments, Global Supply Chain, R&D, Global Growth, and Digital Technology Solutions organizations, reporting to Chairman and CEO Mike Hsu.

Torres has led KMB's North America business since October 2024 and brings over 25 years of CPG industry experience, including roles at Newell Brands, Bain & Company, and Mondelez International. Under his leadership, KMB's North America business achieved mid-single digit compound annual growth. Kurt Laufer will serve as Interim President, North America while the company searches for a permanent successor.

Positive

• Torres has demonstrated strong leadership with mid-single digit compound annual growth in North America
• Streamlined organizational structure with consolidated oversight of global operations
• Experienced executive with 25+ years in consumer products industry

Negative

• Temporary leadership gap in North America division with interim president
• Potential disruption during leadership transition period

DALLAS, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) today announced that Russ Torres, President, North America, has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.  

As President and COO, Torres will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of Kimberly-Clark's business segments. He will also have responsibility for the Global Supply Chain, R&D, Global Growth and Digital Technology Solutions organizations. Torres will continue to report to Mike Hsu, Kimberly-Clark's Chairman and CEO. Kurt Laufer, current President of US Consumer Sales, will serve as Interim President, North America while the Company conducts a search to identify a permanent successor.

Torres has served as President of Kimberly-Clark's North America business since October 2024, responsible for the Company's personal care, family care and professional businesses in North America. Prior to that, he served as Group President, K-C North America since 2021, where he was responsible for the consumer business in North America, and as President of K-C Professional from 2020 to 2021, where he led business-to-business operations globally. Torres has more than 25 years of experience in the consumer product goods industry, and prior to Kimberly-Clark served in a number of key senior leadership roles at Newell Brands, Bain & Company and Mondelez International (formerly Kraft Foods).

"Russ is a purpose-driven leader who has driven commercial transformation and outstanding results in the businesses he has led. Under his leadership, Kimberly-Clark's North America business strengthened its growth trajectory, achieving mid-single digit compound annual growth," said Hsu. "As we embark on the next phase of our Powering Care strategy focused on bringing our global expertise and best-in-K-C proprietary technologies to every market, I'm excited to partner with Russ as we accelerate progress on our enterprise transformation. We're more focused than ever on sharpening operational execution to drive enhanced growth and profitability. Russ is the right leader to take on this new role."

Torres commented, "There is incredible potential still to be unlocked at Kimberly-Clark, and I look forward to working with our teams around the world to continue to execute on Powering Care, build on the power of our brands across the mega categories we serve and usher in the next chapter of growth." 

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its trusted brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries and territories. Fueled by ingenuity, creativity, and an understanding of people's most essential needs, we create products that help individuals experience more of what's important to them. Our portfolio of brands, including Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, Kotex, Cottonelle, Poise, Depend, Andrex, Pull-Ups, GoodNites, Intimus, Plenitud, Sweety, Softex, Viva and WypAll, hold No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in approximately 70 countries. We use sustainable practices that support a healthy planet, build strong communities, and ensure our business thrives for decades to come. We are proud to be recognized as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere for the seventh year in a row and one of Fortune's Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024. To keep up with the latest news and to learn more about the company's more than 150-year history of innovation, visit the Kimberly-Clark website.

For further information:
Media: Kyrsten Aspegren, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, media.relations@kcc.com;
Investors: Chris Jakubik, CFA, Kimberly-Clark Corporation, KC.InvestorRelations@kcc.com

 

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SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation

FAQ

Who is the new COO of Kimberly-Clark (KMB)?

Russ Torres has been promoted to President and Chief Operating Officer of Kimberly-Clark, effective immediately. He previously served as President of North America.

What will Russ Torres be responsible for as KMB's new COO?

As COO, Torres will oversee day-to-day operations of business segments, Global Supply Chain, R&D, Global Growth, and Digital Technology Solutions organizations, reporting to CEO Mike Hsu.

What was Russ Torres' track record at Kimberly-Clark before becoming COO?

Under Torres' leadership, KMB's North America business achieved mid-single digit compound annual growth. He served as President of North America since October 2024 and previously as Group President, K-C North America and President of K-C Professional.

Who will replace Russ Torres as President of North America at KMB?

Kurt Laufer, current President of US Consumer Sales, will serve as Interim President, North America while the company conducts a search for a permanent successor.

What is Kimberly-Clark's current business strategy?

KMB is executing its Powering Care strategy, focusing on bringing global expertise and proprietary technologies to every market while sharpening operational execution to drive enhanced growth and profitability.