Procter & Gamble
Bruce Brown, 50, Chief Technology Officer since June 2008
Biggest accomplishment in this job: In charge of P&G's (PG) $2 billion annual R&D investment, Brown points to two things: creating what he calls a repeatable and reliable innovation process that ensures a deep and rich pipeline of products; and expanding P&G's "Connect and Develop" strategy which fosters partnerships with outside third parties to strengthen and expand the company's capabilities.
Previous experience: Brown joined P&G in 1980 as an engineer in R&D in bar soap and household cleaning products and climbed the management ladder through tours in beauty care, feminine care, baby care, as well as several international assignments. Brown earned his BS in chemical engineering at Polytechnic Institute and an MBA at Xavier University.
Innovation philosophy: "Innovation drives P&G's growth. It is everyone's job, and it must be designed to improve the lives of consumers. Innovation is not, however, serendipity; it must be managed as a process."
