DALLAS, March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark Corporation (NYSE: KMB) today announced that Robert N. "Bob" Stargel Jr., vice president of Global Nonwovens, has been named to Savoy Magazine's 2012 list of "Most Influential Blacks in Corporate America." The Top 100 listing showcases a cross section of national and international business leaders and executives representing a diverse range of industries who demonstrate leadership and influence within their company and community.

Stargel, who was also recognized on this prestigious list in 2010, was honored this year alongside influential executives such as Ursula M. Burns, chairman and chief executive officer of Xerox; Kenneth I. Chenault, chairman and CEO of American Express; Kenneth C. Frazier, chairman, CEO and president of Merck; Clarence Otis Jr., chairman and CEO of Darden Restaurants; Richard D. Parsons, chairman of Citigroup; and Don Thompson, president and chief operating officer of McDonalds.

"This year's Top 100 features an elite group of executives entrusted with leadership at the highest levels of America's corporations," said L.P. Green II, publisher of Savoy Magazine. "Savoy is proud to feature professionals boldly redefining and representing leadership in their respective organizations through our list."

Stargel said: "I am truly grateful for this recognition and honored to share it with such a distinguished group of individuals. At Kimberly-Clark, we are dedicated to helping local communities build a better future.

"This recognition underscores the importance of that commitment as well as my personal commitment to give back," he said. "When we give back to the communities where we live, work and play, we all benefit."

As head of Kimberly-Clark's nonwovens business, Stargel oversees the development, commercialization and supply of materials used to support the company's branded personal health and hygiene products. The business includes seven manufacturing facilities, a centralized research and engineering team, as well as planning, finance and staff manufacturing operations.

Throughout his Kimberly-Clark career, which began in 1984 as an entry-level electrical engineer, Stargel has worked in various divisions including Engineering, Research, Manufacturing and Marketing, and has held positions of increasing responsibility and leadership.

Outside of Kimberly-Clark, Stargel also lends his time and expertise to a number of organizations. Currently, he serves on the Board of the Peachtree Regional FIRST Robotics Division and the European Disposables and Nonwovens Association (EDANA); the finance committees for the Georgia Council of Economics Education, the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) Women in Engineering and the College of Engineering at Georgia Tech. He is also on the Executive Committee of the Georgia Tech Alumni Association.

In 2007, Stargel received the Rodney D. Chip Memorial Award by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) in recognition of his commitment and support to help women succeed in engineering. He was inducted into the Council of Outstanding Young Engineering Alumni for The Georgia Institute of Technology in 1996. Stargel is a Georgia Tech graduate.    

About Kimberly-Clark

Kimberly-Clark and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust K-C's brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, HUGGIES, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the company's 140-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com.

About Savoy Magazine

Savoy Magazine showcases and drives positive dialogue on and about black culture. From entertainment to sports, business to politics, design to style, Savoy is a media catalyst for the African-American community. With a unique mix of stunning photography from major events, in-depth reporting, and social commentary, Savoy accelerates ideas and images to center stage. Each issue of Savoy is an unrivaled media event that reaches progressive, contemporary and sophisticated African-American consumers demanding the best in news coverage.

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark Corporation