The Procter & Gamble Company announced that Claudia B. Kotchka—vice president, design innovation and strategy—will retire March 31, 2009, after more than 31 years of service. Until that time, Kotchka will be named vice president on special assignment, reporting to A. G. Lafley, chairman of the board and chief executive officer. Philip J. Duncan, currently president - Europe and Middle East region for Landor Associates will be appointed global design officer, effective August 1, 2008, reporting to Lafley.
"Under Claudia's leadership, in only seven years, we've built world-class design capability at P&G," said Lafley. "She has helped integrate design and design thinking into how we innovate and how we operate as a company. Her passion for the power of design has strengthened our brands and our business.
"We are delighted that Phil Duncan will be leading the design function as global design officer. He is uniquely qualified to continue the quest to build design into the DNA of the company and to deliver delightful brand and product experiences to P&G consumers."
"Under Claudia's leadership, in only seven years, we've built world-class design capability at P&G," said Lafley. "She has helped integrate design and design thinking into how we innovate and how we operate as a company. Her passion for the power of design has strengthened our brands and our business.
"We are delighted that Phil Duncan will be leading the design function as global design officer. He is uniquely qualified to continue the quest to build design into the DNA of the company and to deliver delightful brand and product experiences to P&G consumers."
