FTC chief to take post in private sector

Federal Trade Commission Chairwoman Deborah Platt Majoras will resign in late March, the agency said Thursday, to handle antitrust issues for Procter & Gamble Co.

Majoras will join the consumer products manufacturer as vice president and general counsel June 1, a company spokeswoman said.

During her tenure at the FTC, the agency cleared P&G;’s $57-billion acquisition of rival consumer products company Gillette.

In Majoras’ new position, she will direct P&G;’s antitrust and litigation practices from the company’s Cincinnati office.

Her replacement hasn’t been announced. The position requires Senate confirmation.

“I have been privileged to stand with my fellow commissioners and the talented FTC staff in our efforts to protect and enhance consumer welfare,” Majoras said in a statement.

She was appointed by President Bush and began her tenure Aug. 16, 2004. Previously, she served as principal deputy assistant attorney general in the Justice Department’s antitrust division. Prior to her government service, she was a partner in the Jones Day law firm’s antitrust practice.