Church and Dwight name new chief executive officer for 2016

Church and Dwight has announced the appointment of Matt Farrell as James Craigie's successor in the role of chief executive officer (CEO).

Mr Farrell, who currently serves as the company's chief operating officer and chief financial officer, will take on the key leadership role on January 1st 2016 and will also join the firm's board of directors.

Having served as CEO since joining the company in 2004 and also as chairman since 2007, Mr Craigie is voluntarily stepping down from the position, but will continue to act as a board member and non-executive chairman.

Mr Farrell joined Church and Dwight in the chief financial officer position in 2006 and has worked closely with Mr Craigie for more than eight years. Their strong professional relationship will help to ensure a smooth transition.

Robert LeBlanc, lead director of the company's board, said: "I'm very pleased that the board and management's focus on succession planning have enabled us to have such a well-respected leader as Matt ready to fill the CEO role."

In the first quarter of 2015, the company reported a net sales total of $812.3 million (524.11 million pounds), a year-on-year improvement of 3.9 percent.