Clorox Names Gerald Johnston Chairman of the Board; Robert Matschullat

    Business Editors

    OAKLAND, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 19, 2005--The Clorox Company (NYSE:CLX) (PCX:CLX) today announced that Gerald E. "Jerry" Johnston has been named chairman of the board effective immediately. Johnston, 57, was named chief executive officer on June 19, 2003, and continues in that role. As chairman, Johnston succeeds Robert W. Matschullat who will now serve as the board's presiding director.
    "We initially split the chairman and chief executive roles to allow Jerry to focus on the business and develop his strategic plan as a new CEO," said Matschullat. "We have decided to recombine the roles now that Jerry has implemented his operating and strategic plans for the company, and now that all our governance processes are in place through Sarbanes-Oxley."
    As chairman of the board, Johnston will focus on governance, board communication and board effectiveness. As presiding director, Matschullat will preside over any board sessions where management is excluded, including the CEO, consult with Johnston on board matters and ensure independent board members are comfortable with the board's direction and activities.

    The Clorox Company

    The Clorox Company is a leading manufacturer and marketer of consumer products with fiscal year 2004 revenues of $4.3 billion. Clorox markets some of consumers' most trusted and recognized brand names, including its namesake bleach and cleaning products, Armor All(R) and STP(R) auto care products, Fresh Step(R) and Scoop Away(R) cat litters, Kingsford(R) charcoal briquets, Hidden Valley(R) and K C Masterpiece(R) dressings and sauces, Brita(R) water-filtration systems, and Glad(R) bags, wraps and containers. With 8,600 employees worldwide, the company manufactures products in 25 countries and markets them in more than 100 countries. Clorox is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where its employees work and live. Founded in 1980, The Clorox Company Foundation has awarded cash grants totaling more than $58.3 million to nonprofit organizations, schools and colleges; and in fiscal 2004 alone made product donations valued at $5 million. For more information about Clorox, visit www.TheCloroxCompany.com.

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CONTACT: The Clorox Company Kathryn Caulfield, 510-271-7209 (Media Relations) Dan Staublin, 510-271-1622 (Media Relations) Steve Austenfeld, 510-271-2270 (Investor Relations) Michael Iracondo, 510-271-2156 (Investor Relations)

KEYWORD: CALIFORNIA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: CONSUMER/HOUSEHOLD MANUFACTURING FOODS/BEVERAGES RETAIL MANAGEMENT CHANGES SOURCE: The Clorox Company

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