P&G appoints first female chief executive to run Gillette

CINCINNATI — Procter & Gamble has appointed Juliana Azevedo as the first female chief executive officer at Gillette, which runs the company’s Gillette and Venus razor businesses.

Azevedo, a 30-year veteran with P&G, assumes her new role on July 1. She succeeds Gary Coombe, who is retiring after eight years in charge of Gillette and nearly 40 years with Procter & Gamble.

Azevedo's appointment is part of a broad C-suite and segment leadership reshuffle that includes retirements and new appointments.

Azevedo joined P&G as a marketing intern in Brazil, where she had trained as an industrial engineer. She subsequently was named the first woman to lead the company’s Latin America business. She currently leads P&G's home care business — its second largest — and serves as the company’s executive sponsor for gender equality.

 P&G has promoted Hesham Tohamy as the new leader of its baby, feminine and family care sector, effective June 1, succeeding Fatima (Fama) Francisco, who is retiring September 4 after more than 37 years with the company.

Eric Breissinger remains president of P&G's family care unit and will work closely with Tohamy, who reports to CEO Shailesh Jejurrikar.

P&G also said Chief Virginie Helias, its chief sustainability officer, is transitioning out of the role after nearly 40 years with the company. Michele Baeten is set to succeed her.