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DALLAS - Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) announced today the promotion of Russ Torres to President and Chief Operating Officer, a move that is effective immediately. Torres, who has been with the company since 2020, will oversee the daily operations of the company’s business segments, including the Global Supply Chain, R&D, and Global Growth and Digital Technology Solutions organizations.
Torres’ promotion follows a period of growth for Kimberly-Clark’s North America business, where he has served as President since October 2024. His leadership is credited with achieving mid-single digit compound annual growth for the region, though recent data from InvestingPro shows the company’s revenue declined by 3.1% in the last twelve months to $19.7 billion. Mike Hsu, Chairman and CEO of Kimberly-Clark, expressed confidence in Torres’ ability to drive the company’s "Powering Care" strategy and enhance growth and profitability. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock currently trades below its Fair Value, suggesting potential upside opportunity.
In his new role, Torres will report directly to Hsu. Kurt Laufer, currently the President of US Consumer Sales, will step in as the Interim President for North America as the company searches for a permanent replacement.
Torres brings over 25 years of experience in the consumer product goods industry, with previous senior leadership roles at Newell Brands, Bain & Company, and Mondelez International (formerly Kraft Foods). His tenure at Kimberly-Clark has included positions as Group President for North America and President of K-C Professional, where he led global business-to-business operations.
The company, known for brands such as Huggies, Kleenex, and Scott, operates in more than 175 countries and territories. It has been recognized for its ethical practices and innovation, including being named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for seven consecutive years and one of Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies in America in 2024. Notably, InvestingPro data reveals the company has maintained dividend payments for 55 consecutive years, with a current dividend yield of 3.85%. For investors seeking deeper insights, InvestingPro offers 8 additional key tips and comprehensive analysis in its Pro Research Report, available along with extensive financial metrics and expert analysis.
This leadership change is part of Kimberly-Clark’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its market position and capitalize on its proprietary technologies and global expertise. The information is based on a press release statement from Kimberly-Clark Corporation.
In other recent news, Kimberly-Clark Corporation reported its first-quarter earnings for 2025, showing a slight beat on earnings per share (EPS) at $1.93 against a forecast of $1.90, while revenue fell short at $4.84 billion compared to the anticipated $4.88 billion. The company has also announced a significant $2 billion investment in its North American operations over the next five years, focusing on enhancing U.S. manufacturing capacity and innovation. This expansion includes the construction of a new facility in Ohio and the expansion of an existing site in South Carolina, expected to create over 900 jobs. Meanwhile, RBC Capital Markets adjusted their outlook on Kimberly-Clark, reducing the price target from $165.00 to $162.00 but maintaining an Outperform rating, citing the company’s operational strength despite revenue challenges. Additionally, Kimberly-Clark continues its long-standing tradition of dividend payments, announcing a quarterly dividend of $1.26 per share, marking its 91st consecutive year of dividend payouts. At the annual stockholders’ meeting, shareholders approved the election of directors, the appointment of auditors, and executive compensation, reflecting confidence in the company’s management. However, the company has revised its guidance downward due to a $300 million cost of goods sold headwind from tariffs, though it remains optimistic about mitigating these impacts through strategic measures.
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