Linard of Unilever Honored by SDA

Dr. Jack Linard, a longtime researcher and scientist for Unilever, is the 2009 recipient of The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA) Elva Walker Spillane Distinguished Service Award.

The award recognizes extensive or exceptional service to SDA and the exercise of outstanding leadership within the Association that promoted the growth and interests of the SDA and the industries it represents. The award was presented at SDA’s 2009 Annual Meeting and Industry Convention in Boca Raton, Florida.

Dr. Linard has worked for Unilever for nearly 26 years in a variety of research and development assignments, primarily in the laundry category, and provided leadership related to public policy in the areas of health and environmental safety.

He began his involvement with the SDA in the early 1990’s, initially through his participation in the Consumer Education Committee’s work on high efficiency laundering.

Linard also served as the first chairperson of SDA’s Strategic Advisory Committee (as well as its predecessor group) and was the co-chair of the International Committee for many years. He also has been a member of the Association’s Environmental Fate and Effects Subcommittee, the Public Relations Committee, Ingredient Communication Task Force and Green Guides Workgroup.

“If the term ‘sweat equity’ had a picture, it would be a portrait of Jack Linard,” said Ernie Rosenberg, SDA President and CEO. “Jack has contributed so much to SDA’s expertise, industry leadership, knowledge and reputation. He has been and continues to be a greatly valued resource to SDA and all of our members.”

Linard’s current responsibilities with Unilever include the management of Unilever R&D’s regulatory compliance activities, external issues impacting Unilever on both a North American and global scale and the management of Unilever’s Institutional Review Board in the United States. Additionally, he has been an active participant in Wal-Mart’s Chemical Intensive Products Sustainability Network since its inception in October 2005.

In addition to his work with SDA, he also represents Unilever on a number of committees of the Personal Care Products Council and the Grocery Manufacturers Association. Linard received his Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from Northwestern University and a B.S. in Chemistry from Davidson College, Davidson, North Carolina.

The SDA Distinguished Service Award is named in honor of the late Elva Walker Spillane, the former National Purity LLC chief executive who served on SDA’s Board for 20 years.