Gerald E. Johnston

Gerald E. "Jerry" Johnston was named President and Chief Executive Officer of The Clorox Company and elected to the Board of Directors on July 1, 2003. In January 2005, he was also named Chairman of the Board. As CEO, he had overall responsibility for directing the company's worldwide business, which generated revenues of $4.4 billion in fiscal year 2005. Prior to becoming CEO, Johnston served as President and Chief Operating Officer, a position he had held since 1999. In that role, he was responsible for Clorox's U.S. and international operating divisions, along with the company's sales, marketing, product supply, and research and development functions.

Johnston joined Clorox in 1981, following 10 years with Procter & Gamble. In 1983, he assumed the post of National Sales Manager for the Kingsford® Products Division. In 1989, he became the company's Director of Business Development. He was elected Vice President - Corporate Development and Planning in 1992, Vice President - General Manager for Kingsford Products in 1993, and Group Vice President and a member of the company's executive committee in 1996.

In 2001 Jerry was recognized for his outstanding career achievements by being presented with the Cal State Fullerton Distinguished Alumni Award. Jerry retired as President & CEO of Clorox in May, 2006, but remains an active member of the Cal State Fullerton Philanthropic Foundation Board of Governors. Jerry also has been an unstinting supporter of the Guardian Scholars Program for many years.

A native of Whittier, Calif., Johnston holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing from California State University at Fullerton. He attended the University of Southern California Graduate School of Business, and completed the Harvard Graduate School of Business Advanced Management Program.

Jerry lives with his wife Cindy in Alamo, California.