Kimberly-Clark Professional* Expands North American Cleaning & Hygiene Organization with New Leadership, Additional Sales Professionals and Enhanced Programs

ROSWELL, Ga., May 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Professional* today announced a significant increase in commitment to its core business by further strengthening its Cleaning & Hygiene organization to support the janitorial supply channel. This initiative includes a series of personnel moves, an expanded sales team and the addition of a third region to support distributors.

Effective immediately, the following leaders have been named to new positions: Ward Johnson, Vice President, Kimberly-Clark Professional North American Sales – Cleaning & Hygiene; Rick Herbert, Director of Sales, Cleaning & Hygiene – East; Mike Leemann, Director of Sales, Cleaning & Hygiene – Central; and Robert Ochoa, Director of Sales, Cleaning & Hygiene – West.

"These individuals collectively bring strong experience, market history and credibility that will reinforce our commitment to our core Cleaning & Hygiene business," said Richard Thorne, Vice President of Kimberly-Clark Professional North America. "They've been charged with cultivating true value-added relationships with our key distributor partners, and to bring strong leadership to the teams throughout their regions."

In addition, Kimberly-Clark Professional Cleaning & Hygiene will be increasing the number of North American sales professionals and the National Accounts Team has been substantially expanded. Marketing and other programs to support and accelerate growth have also been increased. The Cleaning & Hygiene organization is also working to speed development of product and platform innovation to provide the business solutions the marketplace is looking for today. The focus on innovative platforms will integrate insight from distributor partners as well as end-users. These changes further reinforce the company's commitment to helping its distributor partners better serve their end-user customers.

"We are increasing our investment in our sales organization so that we are able to work in partnership with our distributors at the end-user level and close deals," said Chris Brickman, Global President of Kimberly-Clark Professional. "We have everything in place; great people, strong operations, and a strong vision of innovation. We're looking forward to a great 2011 and beyond."

About Kimberly-Clark Professional

Kimberly-Clark Professional is dedicated to providing essential solutions for a healthier, safer and more productive workplace. These include a unique portfolio of innovative, cost-effective and sustainable offerings for office buildings and lodging properties, healthcare facilities, manufacturing environments, laboratories and cleanrooms, educational facilities, food preparation and processing operations, and home professionals. Kimberly-Clark Professional offers a comprehensive array of hand hygiene and contamination control solutions to break the germ transmission chain and help create a healthier workplace as well as wiping and safety solutions that minimize risk and drive productivity. Its trusted global brands include Kleenex, Scott, Wypall, Kimtech and Jackson Safety. Located in Roswell, Ga., Kimberly-Clark Professional is one of Kimberly-Clark Corporation's four business sectors. For more information, visit www.kcprofessional.com.

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 150 countries. Every day, 1.3 billion people - nearly a quarter of the world's population - trust K-C brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 139-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com.

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Professional*