R. Kerry Clark has been named president, chief executive officer and a member of Cardinal Health’s board of directors. Mr. Clark succeeds Robert D. Walter as chief executive. Mr. Walter, the company’s founder, long-time chief executive officer, and a major shareholder, will continue as chairman of the board and work closely with Mr. Clark. He plans to step down from the chairman position in the next two years.

Mr. Clark has been vice chairman of the board of The Procter & Gamble Co. since 2002 and was responsible most recently for its $20 billion Global Family Health business, which includes pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter medicines. He has considerable strategic, operational, and corporate management experience, having held leadership positions in North America and Asia during his 32 years with the company.

Also, George L. Fotiades, president and chief operating officer, will leave the company following a transition period. “In his role as president and chief operating officer the past two years, George helped lead us through a period of significant change,” Mr. Walter said. “His focus on execution and driving the company’s customer-focused integration programs, such as One Cardinal Health, has helped position the company for stronger growth in the future. We thank him for his leadership and appreciate his contributions.”