Kimberly-Clark names post-merger leaders as COO departs

Kimberly-Clark announced planned executive transitions on October 1, 2026, setting its leadership structure for after it completes its pending acquisition of Kenvue. The transaction remains scheduled to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Russ Torres, President and Chief Operating Officer of Kimberly-Clark and head of its integration management office, will leave the company to take an external CEO role. Torres, who joined Kimberly-Clark in 2020, will remain through November to manage the transition. Jeff Melucci, Chief Strategy, Business Development and Administrative Officer, will take over integration plans, while Chief Financial Officer Nelson Urdaneta will oversee synergy delivery plans.

For regional operations, Carlos De Jesus, current Group President of North America at Kenvue, will lead the combined North America segment. John Carmichael, current President of Kimberly-Clark North America, will depart shortly after the deal closes. De Jesus will also continue overseeing the global growth organisation alongside future Chief Marketing Officer Jonathan Halvorson until a permanent chief growth officer is named.

Leonardo Curado, current Group President of Latin America at Kenvue, will become President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa on January 1, 2027. Curado succeeds Carlton Lawson, who will step down at the end of the year to return to the U.K. Direct oversight of Latin America will shift to Anindya Dasgupta, who will serve as President of Enterprise Growth Markets.