P&G names new plant manager

Procter & Gamble Co.'s local plant is getting a manager.

Rick McLeod, who has been working for P&G in Venezuela since 2000, will take over effective June 1, replacing Kathy Brown, who is transferring to a different position within the company.

The company would not provide any details about where Brown is going, saying that is company policy, said human relations manager Mike Jennewein.

But McLeod's background was outlined. McLeod is a Lenoir, N.C., native. He graduated in 1987 with high honors from the University of Florida with a mechanical engineering degree.

McLeod began his career with P&G at the Albany, Ga., plant in 1987, where he had several assignments in the diaper operation.

In 1995, McLeod and his family transferred to Manila, Philippines, where he was the baby care and feminine care operations manager for a new plant start-up. He later assumed responsibility for the fabric and home care operations.

In 2000, McLeod was promoted to associate director for Latin America baby care planning and transferred to Caracas, Venezuela.

Brown has been the plant manager since August 1996.

P&G has about 1,500 employees locally, manufacturing diapers, paper towels, Crest toothpaste, Oil of Olay and soap, among other items.

Quarterly profits for the company rose by 23 percent in the most recent quarter. Worldwide, P&G makes more than 300 consumer products and posted a net income of $1.27 billion, or 91 cents a share, in the fiscal third quarter ended March 31, compared with $1.04 billion, or 74 cents a share, a year ago.