Battery maker Energizer Holdings Inc. has appointed a new chief legal officer and promoted a former general counsel to president.

Hannah Kim, who was assistant general counsel and corporate secretary, is now chief legal officer and corporate secretary after the company said Monday in an investor relations release that Kelly Boss will retire from the vice president and general counsel posts. During the transition period, Boss will serve as executive counsel until next summer.

Kim served in her previous position since June 2018. Prior to Energizer, Kim was senior vice president and assistant general counsel for Bank of America from May 2016 to June 2018. Kim also is a former vice president, associate general counsel, deputy chief compliance officer and assistant corporate secretary for hardware retailer Lowe's Companies Inc. from October 2008 to May 2016. A former attorney at Alston & Bird and Parker Poe Adams & Bernstein, Kim received her juris doctor from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

A request to a company spokeswoman for a statement from Kim was not immediately returned Tuesday.

Energizer also said in the release that former general counsel Mark LaVigne, who's now the chief operating officer, will have president added to his title.

"Mark has been a key player in defining and executing Energizer's strategic initiatives, including overseeing our separation from Edgewell Personal Care in 2015 and implementing our integrated operating model to win in the categories in which we compete," CEO Alan Hoskins said in the release. "Mark is a proven leader with deep knowledge of our company and industry and will serve Energizer well in his expanded role."

"Hannah is a recognized leader in our organization with extensive external strategic governance and legal experience," Hoskins continued.

LaVigne served as Energizer's executive vice president and chief operating officer since July 2015. He was the vice president, assistant general counsel and corporate secretary from March 2010 to April 2012 and then vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary until his promotion to chief operating officer. A mergers and acquisitions partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner from 2007 to 2010, he received his law degree from Saint Louis University.

"Under Alan's leadership, Energizer is transforming into a global diversified household products leader in the categories we serve, and I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our future success as president and chief operating officer of the company," LaVigne said in the release. "I am confident in our team, strategy and innovation behind our categories and brands, and remain committed to meeting the needs of our customers, and consumers to build a stronger company and deliver lasting shareholder value."

Hoskins made remarks on the board's efforts to develop leadership in line with a succession plan while thanking Boss for her contributions to the company over the past six years. "Her strategic counsel has served the company well and we appreciate her remaining with the company into next year to help facilitate a smooth transition," he added.

Known for manufacturing and distributing batteries with its trademark drum-beating pink bunny mascot, Energizer's product portfolio includes portable lights, and auto care appearance, performance and fragrance products.