Senior leadership changes at Reckitt Benckiser

Reckitt Benckiser (RB) has announced two new Regional Director appointments on both sides of the Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) business.

David Rankine (pictured main) has been appointed RB Health ANZ Regional Director, overseeing the company’s consumer healthcare portfolio, while Oliver Tatlow becomes RB Hygiene ANZ Regional Director, leading consumer hygiene brands. Both appointments are effective immediately.

Rankine and Tatlow will lead 212 employees across the Sydney and Auckland offices. Both senior leadership positions have been promoted from internal Sales Director roles, and together the two men bring a combined total of more than 27 years with RB.

Rankine has been with the company for 17 years and has gained experience working in four RB offices across 35 countries, globally.

In his new role, Rankine will be responsible for RB Health brands, which aim to put health and personal care in consumers’ hands, overseeing brands such as Dettol, Durex, E45, Gaviscon, Nurofen, Scholl, Strepsils and Veet.

Rankine says that he’s looking forward to leading his team in the pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world for Australians and New Zealanders.

“Having been with the company for the majority of my career, I am passionate about leading this fantastic group of motivated individuals, to continue driving stability and growth for the team and our consumers, during a time when the business has rapidly adapted to the changing landscape.

“RB Health is committed to offering health and hygiene self-care options for families around the world, enabling them to live better lives in their communities. I look forward to continuing to help shape a company culture that drives true innovation to achieve just this,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tatlow has clocked up more than a decade at RB, notably holding the Sales Director role in the UK from 2015 until 2018, before relocating to Australia to lead the RB Hygiene sales team locally since 2018.

Tatlow will be responsible for leading innovation and growth among RB Hygiene brands, which seek to eliminate dirt, germs, pests and odours. These brands are well-known with consumers in Australia and New Zealand, and include Pine O Cleen, Glen 20, Harpic, Easy-Off Bam, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, and Air Wick.

Speaking of his appointment, Tatlow said he is excited to take on this role at a time when “consumer hygiene has never been higher on the agenda”.

He said: “RB Hygiene is constantly innovating to create sustainable products and purpose-led brands, making a lasting and meaningful impact on society.

“With a determination to affect change that delivers wider benefits to society and the environment, I’m looking forward to continuing to build our RB Hygiene brands at a time when we need them most.”

In line with RB’s global professional development strategy, which sees employees afforded the opportunity to work in global markets every three years or sooner, Tatlow replaces Jérôme Lemaire, who after nearly three years as RB Hygiene’s ANZ Regional Director is assuming a new role within the global RB headquarters in Amsterdam, as Senior Vice President (SVP), Global e-commerce, RB Hygiene. Rankine replaces Glenn Cochran, who has departed the business.