Knauss, 63, has held the position since 2006 and will remain with the company as chairman.

Benno Dorer, who has served as the company’s executive vice president and chief operating officer of cleaning, international and corporate strategy, will take over.

“Don has done a tremendous job leading the company through its Centennial Strategy and establishing the company’s 2020 Strategy,” said Robert W. Matschullat, who will continue as lead director of the board, in a statement. “I’m pleased that the board and executive management team’s dedication to succession planning allows us to appoint such a strong and capable leader as Benno Dorer to the CEO role and that it will enable a smooth transition.”

Dorer, 50, began working for the Oakland, Calif. based Clorox in 2005.