Clorox Names CEO as Chairman

Clorox Co., the largest U.S. household-bleach maker, said Wednesday that it had named Gerald Johnston its chairman, consolidating its leadership 19 months after he was promoted to chief executive.

Johnston, 57, has been with Clorox for 23 years. He succeeded Robert Matschullat, who was designated the board’s presiding director.

Oakland-based Clorox had split the roles of chairman and CEO so that Johnston could focus on business strategy. Johnston, then chief operating officer, was named to succeed Craig Sullivan as CEO in June 2003.

“We have decided to recombine the roles now that Jerry has implemented his operating and strategic plans for the company,” Matschullat said.

The company also announced the election of Carolyn Ticknor, 57, to its board. She is the retired president of Hewlett-Packard Co.’s imaging and printing business, Clorox said.

Shares of Clorox, which also makes Tilex cleanser and Hidden Valley salad dressing, rose 10 cents to $59.19 on the New York Stock Exchange.