Kimberly-Clark Corp., Dallas, Texas, USA, this week announced that Michael D. Hsu, currently group president North American Consumer Products, has been named to the role of president and COO and will join K-C's board of directors, effective Jan. 1, 2017. 

The appointment of Hsu (photo left) as president and COO is part of a long-term executive leadership development and succession planning process to ensure Kimberly-Clark's continued success. Thomas J. Falk (photo right) will remain CEO and chairman of the board and continue to lead and manage K-C at the enterprise level. 

Hsu will be accountable for the day-to-day operations of K-C's business units, along with the company's global innovation, marketing and supply chain functions. Hsu and the company's finance, legal, and human resources functions will report to Falk.

"Mike is an outstanding leader with a passion for our business. He has a long track record of building great teams and delivering strong results at K-C and elsewhere in the consumer packaged goods industry," said Falk. "I'm excited to work closely with Mike in his new role as we continue to execute our long-range Global Business Plan." 

K-C is also evolving its organization structure to recognize the scale and importance of its international businesses. Accordingly, K-C's three regional businesses in Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa, as well as K-C North America and K-C Professional, will report directly to Hsu. Elane Stock, group president of K-C International, has announced her intention to pursue opportunities outside of K-C, and the company wishes her continued success. The company expects to name a new group president of North American Consumer Products in the near future. 

"I'm excited to continue to work with Tom, the senior executive team, and employees throughout Kimberly-Clark to deliver long-term shareholder value as we lead the world in providing essentials for a better life," said Hsu. 

Hsu joined Kimberly-Clark in November 2012 and currently oversees the company's nearly $8 billion North American Personal Care and Consumer Tissue businesses. Since joining K-C, he has reinvigorated the North American business, delivering excellent financial performance, improved market shares and strong innovation, marketing and sales execution.

Prior to joining K-C, Hsu was EVP and chief commercial officer at Kraft Foods. Before Kraft, he spent six years at H.J. Heinz, holding the positions of VP, marketing for Ore-Ida and Frozen Meals, and later as president for Foodservice. He launched his career in the consumer products industry as a consultant with Booz Allen & Hamilton, where he rose to partner in the firm's consumer practice. He holds a bachelor's degree from Carnegie-Mellon University and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He and his wife will relocate to Dallas.