Good business systems and processes - such as market research and segmentation, ideation, concept development, stage-gate, and portfolio management - are vital to successful new product innovation programs. Just as important, however, are good human systems – individuals and teams that listen and communicate well with each other.
At this CEO Trust Event, you will hear from two consumer innovation experts on tools and techniques they have used to dramatically improve innovation outcomes (more, better, faster new products) by focusing on the human systems. These tools and tips are not just relevant for consumer new products, but they can be used for any innovation or change-management initiative.
Gary Cohen, most recently global CEO of Timex and a consumer products veteran, will lead this session joined by Heather Marasse of the Generative Leadership Group, a leading innovation consulting firm. Gary and Heather have partnered at Gillette, Playtex, and Timex to help launch dozens of successful innovation programs. They have also invited other business veterans to weigh in on the topic of human systems. Please join us for what promises to be an educational and engaging session.
EVENT SCHEDULE:
6 pm - 6:30 pm - Gathering
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Presentation
SPEAKER BIOS:
GARY COHEN is a global CEO and consumer products brand builder. Most recently, he was President and CEO of Timex Group, an $800M global manufacturer of watches, where he made significant improvements in expanding revenues of key product lines, reduced costs, and upgraded talent. Prior to joining Timex, he was Global General Manager of Playtex, a business unit of Energizer’s Personal Care division. Gary joined Playtex in 2006 as part of a turnaround team that sold the business to Energizer Holdings for $1.8B.
Gary also held a succession of global marketing positions at P&G/The Gillette Company, each increasing in scale, scope of responsibility and complexity.
By focusing on transformational innovation throughout his career, Gary has launched dozens of new products and has led significant change management initiatives.
A native of Boston, Gary graduated from Brandeis University and earned his Master’s degree in business administration from the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
Gary is a Board Director of Horizons National, a not-for-profit that supports inner city summer learning programs across the country.
HEATHER MARASSE is Managing Partner of Generative Leadership Group (GLG), and has been with the company since 1997. Prior to joining GLG she spent 14 years in telecommunications and served as Executive Director of Bell Canada for 11 years. Her professional background is in marketing (particularly product and service development), organizational strategy, sales support, and the implementation of change. Most of Heather’s career has been spent working with executives to determine strategies for the future of their business, and to develop the leadership skills and capabilities necessary for successful implementation.
Heather has a unique talent for understanding strategic business issues and their impact on the human systems within organizations. She has worked with numerous clients to help them undertake significant initiatives in their business and she is known for her ability to make change happen with grace and ease. Heather brings a practical, well-grounded understanding of the realities of business leadership, while encouraging new thinking and creativity. She is an experienced coach and facilitator of executive teams across many different industries.
Questions? Contact Cathy Curley, CEO Trust Communications & Event Coordinator.
