News Release

Hill's Pet Nutrition CEO, Robert C. Wheeler, retires

Hill's America President Neil Thompson Named Successor

TOPEKA, Kan., (April 22, 2009) — Colgate-Palmolive Company recently announced the retirement of Robert C. Wheeler as chief executive officer of Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. effective April 1, 2009. He is succeeded by Neil Thompson, formerly president, Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. Americas.

Wheeler joined Hill's in 1981 as president and was named chief executive officer in 1997. He led Hill's through a significant period of growth and product innovation, strengthening the company in the United States and transforming Hill's into a truly global business. During this period, Hill's introduced more than 40 new products, many of them innovations that improve the lives of pets, and broadened its global manufacturing capabilities. Today, Hill's is the number one pet food endorsed by veterinarians worldwide and the global specialty channel market leader.

Wheeler, a leader in the pet nutrition industry, has served on the Board of the American Veterinary Medical Foundation®, the Stormont-Vail Health Services Corporation®, the Menninger Foundation® and the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce.

Neil Thompson led Hill's businesses in the United States, Canada and Latin America beginning in 2003. He delivered consistent double-digit sales and profit growth and launched Hill's businesses in Russia and Central & Eastern Europe. Thompson holds significant international general management experience, having led Hill's businesses in all regions outside the Americas.

Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. manufactures Hill's® Prescription Diet® brand pet foods, therapeutic pet foods available only through veterinarians, and Hill's® Science Diet® brand pet foods sold through veterinarians and finer pet specialty stores. Founded more than 60 years ago with a unique commitment to pet nutrition and well-being, Hill's is committed to its mission to help enrich and lengthen the special relationships between people and their pets. Hill's produces high-quality, great-tasting pet foods owners can trust and give to their canine and feline companions as part of a veterinary health care team recommendation. This ultimately improves patient health and the health of the practice. For more information about Hill's Pet Nutrition Inc. and Hill's Evidence-Based Clinical Nutrition™ visit HillsVet.com.