Leading global consumer goods firm Reckitt Benckiser Group plc has appointed India-born Rakesh Kapoor as the Chief Executive Officer designate of the company.

Mr Kapoor will take over as the company’s CEO with effect from September 1, 2011 from Mr Bart Becht, who has held the post for 16 years.

“The board of Reckitt Benckiser Group plc today announced the retirement of Bart Becht as CEO and is pleased to announce the appointment of Rakesh Kapoor as CEO designate,” the company said in a statement.

Mr Kapoor, who joined Reckitt Benckiser Group in India in 1987, is currently the Executive Vice-President -Global Category Development at RB and an Executive Committee member.

“Rakesh Kapoor becomes CEO effective September 1, 2011 with Bart Becht staying on as part-time adviser to Rakesh and the board until September 2012 to ensure a smooth transition,” the statement said.

Commenting on Mr Kapoor’s appointment, the Reckitt Benckiser Group Chairman, Mr Adrian Bellamy, said: “The board is delighted that someone of Rakesh Kapoor’s calibre is able to step into the role of CEO.

“His close involvement in the drivers of success at RB and significant achievements to date are reassurance that the excellent performance for which RB has become renowned is set to continue.’’