11.20.11
John G. Smale, former chairman and chief executive officer of Procter & Gamble, died on Nov. 19. He was 84. Smale served as CEO from 1981 to 1990. During his tenure, P&G entered 15 new product categories, expanded operations into 23 new countries, and doubled sales and earnings to over $24 billion and $1.6 billion, respectively.
During that period, he created category management of similar products, restructuring P&G's entire supply chain for greater efficiency and quality, and creating the first retailer-based sales teams.
Smale joined P&G in 1952. He started out working in our dentifrice business, first with the Gleem brand and later with the Crest brand, where he played a key role in convincing the American Dental Association to recognize Crest as effective against tooth decay.
Like other business leaders, he was passionate about innovation and worked to improve P&G's research programs. But Smale went further, creating a trust fund 1997 with his own money to recognize individuals for outstanding technical innovation.
Smale was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis. They are survived by four children, John Gray, Jr., Catherine Anne, Lisa Beth and Peter McKee.
During that period, he created category management of similar products, restructuring P&G's entire supply chain for greater efficiency and quality, and creating the first retailer-based sales teams.
Smale joined P&G in 1952. He started out working in our dentifrice business, first with the Gleem brand and later with the Crest brand, where he played a key role in convincing the American Dental Association to recognize Crest as effective against tooth decay.
Like other business leaders, he was passionate about innovation and worked to improve P&G's research programs. But Smale went further, creating a trust fund 1997 with his own money to recognize individuals for outstanding technical innovation.
Smale was predeceased by his wife, Phyllis. They are survived by four children, John Gray, Jr., Catherine Anne, Lisa Beth and Peter McKee.