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Church & Dwight said Monday that Richard Dierker, a 15-year company veteran, will step into the role of president and chief executive officer (CEO) on March 31, 2025. Dierker, who has served as the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Head of Operations, will also join the Board of Directors. Current CEO Matthew Farrell will continue in his role until the transition date and will remain chairman of the board for a transition period thereafter.
Farrell has led Church & Dwight since 2016. Under his stewardship, the company’s market capitalization has more than doubled to over $25 billion, driven by a strategy that combined value-enhancing acquisitions and a focus on consumer trends.
“Matt has left an indelible mark on Church & Dwight,” said Ravi Saligram, lead director of the board. “The Board is grateful for his immense contributions, and his leadership has built a company that continues to grow and innovate.”
Rick Dierker’s promotion to CEO marks the culmination of over a decade of partnership with Farrell, according to the company. As chief financial officer and head of operations, Dierker has played a key role in shaping the company’s strategic direction.
“Rick has an innate ability to get to the heart of issues and drive execution," Saligram said. “He has the trust and respect of his peers, the Board, and the investment community.” After an extensive search both inside and outside the company, the Board unanimously agreed that Dierker was the ideal leader to steer Church & Dwight into the future.
For his part, Farrell is enthusiastic about passing the torch to his long-time colleague.
“Rick has the strategic thinking, leadership skills, and passion for execution to sustain our Evergreen model, our acquisition strategy, and value creation for years to come,” said Farrell.
As he prepares to take the helm, Dierker is excited about the company's future and said he is honored to have the opportunity to lead.
Dierker’s vision includes focusing on technological advancements, continued innovation, and strategic acquisitions to create shareholder value. “We have a talented team and great brands,” he said. “This amounts to a winning formula for employees, consumers, and shareholders and gives me great confidence in our future success.”