The Procter & Gamble Company announced that Heiner Gurtler will step down from his position as group president–global prestige & professional care and as chief executive of Wella. He has separately advised the Wella AG supervisory board of his intention to resign from his position as chairman of the management board (CEO) of Wella AG, effective Oct. 1, 2005. According to a statement by P&G, P&G and the Wella supervisory board accepted his decision with deep regret.

Under the leadership of Gurtler the global professional business of Wella, Clairol, Prestige Beaute Fine Fragrances and Cosmopolitan Cosmetics were combined within one new organization–P&G Global Prestige & Professional Care.

Gurtler’s successor in Wella AG will be appointed by the Wella supervisory board in due course. As of Oct. 1, 2005, Gurtler’s responsibilities as P&G group president for prestige & professional care will be assumed by Susan E. Arnold, vice chairman–global beauty. Hartwig Langer, P&G president-global prestige products, and Carsten Fischer, P&G president–global professional care, will report to Arnold. Gurtler will continue to report to Lafley, as P&G group president on special assignment. Gurtler will retire on June 30, 2006.