Donald Knauss is the former CEO and current Executive Chairman of The Clorox Company, a role he took on in 2006 after leaving Coca-Cola. Before joining Clorox, he was president and chief operating officer of Coca-Cola's North America segment. His...
Donald Knauss is the former CEO and current Executive Chairman of The Clorox Company, a role he took on in 2006 after leaving Coca-Cola. Before joining Clorox, he was president and chief operating officer of Coca-Cola's North America segment. His leadership at Clorox spanned nearly eight years, during which he focused on improving the company's financial performance. Known for his expertise in marketing, Knauss earned substantial bonuses based on company performance metrics, peaking at nearly $9 million in total compensation in 2013. Interestingly, he had significant insider trading activity between 2019 and 2024, with his stock holdings fluctuating from about $11.42 million to a high of approximately $18.12 million. This indicates that he actively managed his investments while at the helm of Clorox. Post his tenure as CEO, Knauss was named Executive Chairman at Clorox, continuing to influence company strategy. He also set up strong severance packages and conditions for his termination, showing his strategic focus on securing his position and benefits. Overall, Knauss’s journey reflects a hands-on approach and strategic financial management that contributed to Clorox's growth during his leadership, building on his extensive background in the beverage sector.