Reckitt loses a problem-solver CEO just as it was finding its footing

The departure is a blow to the consumer-goods company and its shares fell as much as 6% in early trading

Laxman Narasimhan cleaned up Reckitt Benckiser Group Plc but he’s not staying around to admire the shine at the maker of Dettol and Durex. After three years as chief executive officer, he’s decided step down on Sept. 30. It’s an unexpected move. On Thursday morning, the company said Narasimhan will return to the US for family reasons. Later in the day came an announcement that he will become the new CEO of Starbucks Corp. Senior independent director and former British American Tobacco Plc CEO Nicandro Durante will step into the role on an interim basis while Reckitt searches for a