WILTON, Conn. — Bill Graham has been promoted to president and general manager of Beiersdorf Inc.

Bill Graham

The skin care and personal care company said Thursday that with the move, effective immediately, Graham is now responsible for the strategic direction, growth and success of the U.S. affiliate of Hamburg, Germany-based Beiersdorf AG.

Since April 2007, Graham has served as vice president of sales for Beiersdorf Inc., where he reshaped the U.S. sales organization and drove significant sales growth, improved the company’s presence at retail, and bolstered its relationships with U.S. customers, according to Beiersdorf.

"Bill’s ability to deliver results has made him instrumental in making Beiersdorf the fastest-growing skin care company in the U.S., " Peter Feld, Beiersdorf AG executive board member responsible for Europe and North America, said in a statement. "I would like to congratulate Bill on this exciting promotion. I am extremely confident that he will continue to be an important leader in Beiersdorf’s future success."

Before joining Beiersdorf, Graham held senior leadership positions at Novartis Consumer Healthcare, Bristol Myers-Squibb and Unilever.

Beiersdorf’s roster of brands includes Nivea, Nivea for Men, Eucerin, Aquaphor and La Prairie.