Procter and Gamble’s first female president to retire

Procter and Gamble’s (P&G) first female president of its global business units Susan E Arnold has announced her retirement.

The company explained how it had long been her intention to step down upon her 55th birthday, which she celebrated on March 8th. The notice will be effective from September 1st of this year.

Ms Arnold has held a number of positions in the firm that no other woman has before, including vice-chair.

Chairman of the board and chief executive officer of P&G A G Laftley asserted that she has been an “integral part” of the business’ leadership over the past ten years.

He described how under Ms Arnold’s management, the company’s beauty business had nearly tripled in size and had expanded its range of products from one brand to eight.

“Susan has ? been instrumental in the development of top talent throughout P&G and she has served as a role model and coach for women inside and outside P&G,” Mr Laftely commented.

The business employs around 138,000 employees in over 80 countries worldwide.