World-class, successful CEO

Highlights

James M. Kilts has a worldwide and world-class reputation as a business leader. Dubbed a "brand mechanic" by The Wall Street Journal, he is especially well-known for reviving brands and turning around established companies like Nabisco and Gillette.

"Upon taking office at Gillette, Jim [Kilts] quickly instilled financial discipline, tightened
operations and energized marketing, moves that dramatically increased
the intrinsic value of the company."
— Warren Buffett, Berkshire Hathaway 2005 Annual Report

Known for his decisive management style and keen focus on business essentials, Mr. Kilts is a proven and invaluable resource on the full range of business topics, including leadership and management, strategy and business growth. He has especially strong and broad success in consumer marketing and branding.

James Kilts delivers results. He successfully integrated the Kraft and General Foods divisions within the Philip Morris Companies. As president and CEO at Nabisco, he revitalized several famous but flagging brands, introduced successful new brands, and gained market share for virtually every product line. He did the same thing as CEO of Gillette, increasing sales 5% in the first year and almost 10% in the next, and increasing stock price by 20%—then led Gillette’s acquisition by Procter & Gamble.

Currently, James M. Kilts is a Founding Partner of Centerview Partners, a private equity and financial advisory firm.

He is the coauthor of Doing What Matters: The Revolutionary Old School Approach to Business Success and Why It Works.

He serves on the boards of several major corporations and institutions.

The Keys to Success

Four keys to success: integrity, enthusiasm, action and understanding, plus effective communication.

Four steps in a turnaround:

1. Evaluate your company honestly,

2. understand your customer

3. analyze, decide, and act quickly, and

4. personally motivate your team for achievable change

Credentials

• Former Chairman and CEO, The Gillette Company
• Former executive vice president, Nabisco Holding Corporation
• Former president, Phillip Morris Companies Food Operations
• Senior vice president, strategy & development, Kraft USA & Oscar Mayer foods
• Former president, Kraft General Foods
• Founder & major donor, Kilts Center for Marketing Research and Chairman, Council on the Graduate School of Business Trustees, University of Chicago
• Board of Trustees of Knox College