Fortune Brands names new president

Fortune Brands has announced the appointment of Christopher Klein as its new president and chief operating officer – home products, effective April 1. Klein currently serves as senior vp – strategy and business development at Fortune Brands.

Klein will report to Rich Forbes, president and CEO of Fortune Brands Home & Hardware, until Forbes retires at the end of 2009.

Since joining Fortune in 2003, Klein has led the company’s mergers and acquisitions activity, corporate strategy development and human resources. Previously, he worked for Bank One, Internet Capital Group, and McKinsey & Co.

As of April 1, the Moen faucet, MasterBrand Cabinets, Therma-Tru doors and Simonton windows operations will report to Klein. John Heppner, president of the security and storage operations, including Master Lock padlocks and Waterloo tool storage, will continue reporting to Forbes. A search is being conducted for Klein’s successor.