Reckitt Benckiser (RB) has confirmed multiple changes to its senior leadership team, announcing new Regional Directors to both the RB Health and RB Hygiene arms of the business in Australia and New Zealand. David Rankine 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 join from Sales Director roles within the company, each bringing with them a wealth of experience both locally and internationally, boasting a combined total of more than 27 years with RB.
Rankine has enjoyed more than 17 years at RB, starting in the Sydney office as a graduate and gaining experience working in four RB offices, across 35 countries, globally. Most recently, Rankine was driving the sales efforts of RB Health, strategically planning and launching new products and partnerships in his role as Sales Director, which he held in Australia for five years.
Speaking about his new appointment, Rankine said: “I am thrilled to commence in this role, leading like-minded people with entrepreneurial spirits in the pursuit of a cleaner, healthier world for Australians and Kiwis. 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,” added Rankine.
Tatlow has accrued more than a decade of experience 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 said: “I’m excited to commence in this role, leading our fantastic team when consumer hygiene has never been higher on the agenda. 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,” continued Tatlow.
In their respective roles, 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. Tatlow will be responsible for leading innovation and growth among RB Hygiene brands, which seek to eliminate dirt, germs, pests and odours. These brands, well-known amongst consumers in Australia and New Zealand, include Pine O Cleen, Glen 20, Harpic, Easy-Off Bam, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, and Air Wick. Rankine and Tatlow will lead 212 employees across the Sydney, Australia and Auckland, New Zealand offices. These appointments are effective immediately.
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 eCommerce, RB Hygiene. Rankine replaces Glenn Cochran, who has departed the business.
In this current climate, hygiene has never been more important. As leaders in this space, RB Health and RB Hygiene have engaged in activity to support those most vulnerable in our community, donating $1 million (AUD) of disinfectant products to Meals on Wheels Australia. Dettol has also partnered with Uber and Cricket Australia to ensure these communities have access to quality disinfectant products.
Further, RB Hygiene brand, Finish, is also pioneering a meaningful, purpose-led initiative which encourages positive consumer behaviour change. Now in its second year, #FinishWaterWaste encourages Aussies to stop pre-rinsing their dishes and save 40 litres of water which is then delivered to rural Australians in need. In partnership with Coles and Rural Aid, in 2020 and this coming year, Finish has committed to deliver 10 million litres of water.
For more information visit www.rb.com
*RB is the trading name of the Reckitt Benckiser group of companies
