On February 21, 2019, the Board of Directors of Colgate-Palmolive Company elected Lisa M. Edwards, Executive Vice President, Strategic Business Operations, Customer and Partner Engagement of Salesforce.com Inc., to the Board of Directors effective March 1, 2019. Ms. Edwards, 51, will bring extensive leadership experience and expertise in information technology, e-commerce and digital transformation to Colgate's Board. Ms. Edwards joined Salesforce in 2012 as Executive Vice President, Finance, Head of Global Corporate Services and Chief Procurement Officer, and has served in her current role since 2017. On February 21, 2019, Ellen M. Hancock, 75, advised the Board that she will not stand for reelection to the Board at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 10, 2019, in light of her desire to retire as a director at the end of her current term. Additionally, Dennis J. Hickey, 70, Vice Chairman of Colgate, has advised Colgate of his decision to retire, effective February 28, 2019, after nearly 42 years of distinguished service with Colgate.
Colgate-Palmolive Company is one of the worldwide leaders in the manufacturing and marketing of cleaning and hygiene products. The group also products and sells pet food (dogs and cats). Net sales break down by family of products as follows:
- hygiene and cleaning products (78%): oral hygiene (toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, etc.; Colgate brand), body care (soaps, shower gels, shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, shaving products, etc.; Palmolive, Speed Stick, Softsoap, etc.), household care, and linen care (dishwashing liquids, detergents, stain removers, fabric softeners, bleach, etc.; Palmolive, Ajax, Soupline, Suavitel, etc.). Net sales are distributed geographically as follows: North America (25.9%), Latin America (30.6%), Asia-Pacific (18.3%), Europe (18.1%), Africa and Eurasia (7.1%);
- cat and dog foods (22%; Hill's): world leader.