The interim chief executive of Reckitt has been paid almost £200,000 in benefits, mostly relocation costs, after the former big tobacco boss was promoted to run the consumer health and hygiene company last year.
Nicandro Durante, 66, who once ran British American Tobacco, was promoted in September after Laxman Narasimhan abruptly left the maker of Mucinex, Nurofen and Strepsils to become chief executive of Starbucks.
Anti-smoking campaigners have questioned Durante’s appointment to the top job at Reckitt, a company whose stated aim is a “cleaner, healthier world through purpose-led brands”.
Durante’s benefits amounted to £199,346 last year, Reckitt’s annual report shows, which it says “primarily consist of one-off relocation costs including temporary accommodation, home leave benefits such as flights, the use of a car
