Month: May 2025
Partner with the P&G Alumni Network
Published May 27, 2025 by pgalums in
The P&G Alumni Network believes that meaningful impact is only possible through meaningful partnerships. As we reflect on the progress we’ve made, we are filled with deep gratitude for the incredible partners who stand beside us—not just with financial contributions, but with their time, expertise, and heartfelt commitment to our mission.
Their ongoing support is vital in helping us foster a stronger, more connected network, and we sincerely thank each of them for their dedication.
It is with great pleasure that we announce the companies we will be partnering with over the next two years. As we engage in partnership discussions annually, we seek out brands that closely align with the mission and purpose of the P&G Alumni Network. We are truly excited to work with these outstanding organizations and the talented alumni within them.
For this year, we are proud to introduce four new partnerships, along with returning partners:
• Palo Alto Networks (Presenting) – As the global cybersecurity leader, Palo Alto Networks is dedicated to protecting our digital way of life via continuous innovation. Trusted by 70,000+ organizations worldwide, Palo Alto Networks provide comprehensive AI-powered security solutions across network, cloud, security operations and AI, enhanced by the expertise and threat intelligence of Unit 42. Its focus on platformization allows enterprises to streamline security at scale, ensuring protection fuels innovation.Their collaborative spirit showcases a commitment extending beyond cybersecurity excellence to encompass community involvement and meaningful societal contributions. We deeply appreciate their generous sharing of time, resources, and expertise for our mission.
We sincerely thank alumni Dipak Golechha (EVP, Chief Financial Officer) and Emre Alpargun (Chief Audit Executive) for their exceptional leadership and advocacy within Palo Alto Networks.
• Oliver Wyman (Gold) – This renowned global management consulting firm exemplifies excellence, leveraging deep expertise and innovative thinking to guide its clients through high-stakes decisions and transformative moments so they can adapt, grow, and thrive.
Our gratitude extends to alumni Mike Matheis (Global Industry Association, Civic & Economic Organization Lead), whose leadership at Oliver Wyman reinforces our collaborative efforts and shared values. He is helping us leverage the Oliver Wyman Forum, OW’s Think Tank to deliver successful B-Suite Forums each year, the Large Cap CEO, CMO, Corporate CFO, and Women’s C-Suite Forums.
• SynFiny Advisors (Gold) – SynFiny Advisors brings globally experienced operating executives from across disciplines and industries to bring practical solutions, supporting organizations at various stages of growth and transformation, thereby fostering long-term sustainable success. With 350+ advisors in 50+ countries globally, SynFiny Advisors brings a wealth of expertise in business transformation, combining strategic insight with a partnership approach that aligns perfectly with our mission. Furthermore, our services emphasize innovative strategies, operational excellence, and tailored solutions designed to help organizations successfully navigate complex change initiatives.
We are especially grateful for alumnus Jeff Wuest (CEO), Jet Antonio (CPO & P&G Chapter Lead), Frank Paul (CIO), Akos Nemeth (Managing Partner), Christian Lee (Managing Partner), Yasser Abdelmalek (Managing Partner), Patricia Spisto (Managing Partner & P&G Chapter Lead), Bhavesh Shah (Managing Partner- APAC), as well as another +200 former P&G team members whose ongoing support, leadership, and dedication continue to inspire us with their vision and commitment. SynFiny Advisors truly values the rich relationship & deep partnership with the P&G Alumnus and the Network.
• Inspired Thinking Group (Silver) – ITG is a global leader in marketing services, dedicated to helping brands achieve greater efficiency through cutting-edge technology and innovative strategic creative solutions. Their unwavering commitment to innovation, combined with their active support for communities, exemplifies their forward-thinking approach.
We sincerely appreciate ITG’s dedication and the influential leadership of alumni Andrew Swinand (CEO), whose expertise continues to inspire and guide us on our shared journey. Thank you, ITG, for being a valued partner and an inspiring collaborator.
• Julius Meinl (Silver) – Founded in Vienna in 1862, Julius Meinl is a fifth-generation family-owned company and one of the world’s most historic premium coffee brands. This legacy underscores a deep commitment to quality, craftsmanship, service, and sustainability. Over the decades, their unwavering support has underscored a genuine dedication to excellence and a deep-rooted belief in contributing positively to communities.
We are especially grateful for the involvement of alumni Marcel Löffler, who serves as both CEO and Chairman of the Board. His active involvement, strategic vision, and leadership have been crucial in helping us achieve our shared goals. His dedication and inspiring leadership continue to motivate us, encouraging the ongoing pursuit of core values such as quality, sustainability, and community contribution.
• Moleskine (Silver) – At Moleskine, we believe in the timeless power of handwriting as an essential expression of human civilization, a powerful act to unleash the human genius and foster the development and sharing of literacy and knowledge. In a fast-paced technological era, we proudly celebrate the artistry of the human touch; the enduring pleasure of putting pen to paper to unleash your unique voice. We celebrate the solemn, thoughtful, and meditative gesture of the pen gliding across a blank page; the romance of crafting a personal story and to record a lifelong memory and leave a distinguished mark in all its unique beauty. Handwriting is both universal and deeply personal. It’s a thoughtful way to express you true self and connect to others in a very intimate yet universally accessible way. PUT PEN TO PAPER AND UNLEASH YOUR UNIQUE VOICE.
We are grateful to alumni Christophe Archaimbault (CEO) for their continued partnership and encouragement of our creative pursuits.
• Lingaro (Silver) – Lingaro is a distinguished leader in data and analytics, specializing in transforming vast amounts of raw information into valuable, actionable insights that drive strategic innovation and facilitate meaningful change. Their expertise empowers organizations to harness the power of data for competitive advantage and societal good.
Our partnership with Lingaro reflects a shared dedication to technological advancement and social impact. We sincerely thank Sebastian Stygar and Tomasz Rogucki (Co-Founders) for their continuous engagement and unwavering support—your commitment truly makes a difference and inspires our ongoing efforts.
• Stefan Homeister Leadership (Silver) – Stefan Homeister Leadership is renowned for cultivating leadership excellence and steering organizations through transformative change. Their tailored programs are crafted to empower leaders and teams to realize their full potential, fostering sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience.
We deeply appreciate the ongoing dedication and visionary leadership of Stefan Homeister (CEO) as well as the vibrant engagement within his alumni community. Their unwavering commitment and inspiring example continue to energize our collective mission, amplifying their collective impact across sectors and elevating not only individual leaders but entire organizations—driving progress and fueling enduring success.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to The Procter & Gamble Company (Legacy) for their enduring support and steadfast advocacy for the P&G Alumni Network. Their generosity and commitment have been foundational to our growth and success. Thanks to their continued backing, we are able to expand our initiatives, strengthen our community, and better serve the needs of our members. Their partnership inspires us to uphold the values of excellence, connection, and shared achievement.
Partner with the P&G Alumni Network: A Gateway to Global Success
- Exclusive Access: Tap into a network of 1000+ C-suite and executive leaders, including 10% of S&P 500 CEOs, 50+ CFOs of billion-dollar companies, and 60+ CMOs of billion-dollar companies.
- Global Reach: Connect with prospective customers in a high-touch environment, leveraging global conferences, local chapters, specialized forums, industry events, and online content.
- Customized Engagement: Tailor your sponsorship through networking groups, events, and content to build senior relationships.
- Brand Alignment: Join a highly exclusive list of sponsors and brands that share our values and commitment to making a positive impact.
- Become a Thought Leader Through Content: Position yourself as an industry expert through our Podcasts, Webinars, and Events.
While funding is essential to sustain and grow our global reach, it’s the personal involvement of our partners that truly sets them apart. Their willingness to invest their time—whether through volunteering, mentoring, strategic support, or participating in our initiatives—has added immeasurable value to our work and strengthened the very fabric of our organization.
Thanks to their dedication, the P&G Alumni Network has been able to support an extensive list of global activities from the conference to podcasts to webinars to website to C-suite leadership forums to the Foundation to the Chapters. Our partner’s involvement has not only provided resources but also energy, ideas, and momentum that continue to drive us forward.
If you would like to become a global sponsor, please reach out to Ed Tazzia, Jeff Wuest, or Elsie Gallegos via LinkedIn. Or email at jswuest@synfiny.com, egallegos@pgalums.com.
The P&G Alumni Network
Since its inception, the P&G Alumni Network has had a three-pronged mission.
We work to help our alumni to easily connect with one another for business or personal reasons. We share the expertise of our members with one another to improve their business and personal lives. We give back to communities in which we live and work. The Network is uniquely qualified to serve our members for their entire lives.
Connect with others, learn from others, give back to others.
We do this through our global network and our local chapters. We give back through our Foundation and a firm belief in free enterprise — empowering people to create better lives for themselves and their families.
We share a distinct set of values which were nurtured by our shared experiences at Procter & Gamble.
Podcast: Koji Kobayashi, Coca-Cola Head of Insights, Japan & Korea
Published May 23, 2025 by pgalums in
Koji Kobayashi is Coca-Cola’s Head of Human Insights for Japan and Korea. Koji San is a global marketing and insights leader who’s worked across the U.S., Japan, and Southeast Asia, on categories ranging from affordable everyday consumer products to luxury goods.
Koji San got his start at P&G, where he spent 14 years as a CMK leader, working Prestige Skin Care, Beauty Care, and Household Care across Singapore, Asia, and the United States. He’s also passionate about giving back, supporting children’s education and health through amazing organizations like Save the Children and UN Women. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation of experiences across multiple cultures from Japan to Singapore to the United States — and how influence can look very different across individualistic and collective cultures, and lessons on how leaders can architect inclusiveness into their teams.
This episode is hosted by P&G Alum Sudha Ranganathan, who’s spent over 19 years in diverse Marketing leadership roles at companies like P&G, PayPal, and LinkedIn where she’s honed her passion for customer-centric marketing and talent development.
Podcast: Sarah Kochling, Shanghai Blossom Innovation
Published May 19, 2025 by pgalums in
Sarah Kochling is the Founder and Managing Principal of Shanghai Blossom Innovation, where she has led strategic growth initiatives for global brands and startups in China since 2014. With over 30 years of experience across Asia, she is a trusted advisor to Fortune 500 companies and early-stage ventures, guiding brand transformation, innovation strategy, and culturally attuned consumer engagement.
Sarah got her start at Procter & Gamble in Hong Kong and Guangzhou in the early 1990s, where she managed brands across Greater China during a pivotal time of regional economic opening. Since then, Sarah has gained experience across China and Asia at J&J International, leading innovation practices at agencies, and advising several Chinese startups. Fluent in Mandarin and deeply immersed in the Chinese market, Sarah brings a rare combination of strategic rigor, creative vision, and cross-cultural fluency, helping organizations navigate complexity and chart bold paths forward.
Sarah is based in Shanghai, China. She studied Mandarin and Political Science at Wellesley College and holds certifications in Chinese language and law from MIT Sloan. The Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Beijing Foreign Languages Normal College, and Harbin Institute of Technology. Sarah lives in Shanghai. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation about a career at the intersection of culture, commerce, and innovation.
This is part of our Chinese leaders series, hosted by P&G Alumni Emily Chang. Got an idea for a future “Learnings from Leaders” episode? Reach out at pgalumpod@gmail.com
Insights & Analytics Forum: Advanced Insights AI Capabilities (Part 2)
Published May 15, 2025 by Elsie Gallegos in
Take your AI knowledge further with an exploration of cutting-edge applications like synthetic data, digital twins, market simulations, and agentic research models. This session with Yogesh will introduce you to powerful capabilities reshaping the future of insights, offering both context and inspiration for deeper learning in how technology is transforming data collection, analytics and communication of insights.
You can download the Advanced-Insights-AI-Capabilities presentation here.
Yogesh Chavda’s 25+ years as a marketing executive are highlighted by pivotal roles and impactful initiatives at organizations that dominate their field and have left a cultural impact. In addition to stints at Spotify, Pinterest, Amway, Kimberly Clark, and WS Audiology, Yogesh’s background includes a 16-year run at Procter & Gamble, where he held various senior-level positions across 6 countries.
Yogesh is the Director of the Center for Marketing Solutions at the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business, renowned for its international business program. Besides leading the Marketing Center, he is a Lecturer on Strategic Marketing, Applications of Insights, and AI in Marketing for Seniors and MBA students.
He’s also the founder of Y2S Consulting, where he’s brought his passion for empowering and facilitating content on brands impacted by stigma and applications of AI in Marketing. Some of his clients have included Apple, Whirlpool, 3M, Parallel, Margaritaville, Lowe’s, Foster Grant, and Mars.
Yogesh also writes about AI in Marketing, in his weekly newsletter – In Search of Normal on LinkedIn. And, he hosts a Podcast called the Next Frontier In Insights where he interviews thought leaders and innovators at the forefront of Marketing.
Register below for the Advanced Insights AI Capabilities
Wednesday, May 14th, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM EST
60 min. presentation, 30 min. Q&A
P&G Alumni Global Conference 2025
Published May 12, 2025 by pgalums in
Keep an eye out for the P&G Alumni Foundation at the Berlin2025 Conference!
We’re excited to connect with many of you in person—and we hope you’ll join us for a spectacular Night of Gratitude Party on Saturday evening after the closing session. Hosted by Honorary Chairs David Taylor, Ute Hagen, and Jeff Schomburger, the evening promises great food, signature cocktails (thanks to alum Bob Kunze-Concewitz and Campari), and music to dance the night away with your fellow alums!
Bring a guest! Extra tickets for the Night of Gratitude Party are available here.
Our Second Global “Alum-to-Alum” Auction!
Bid on exclusive experiences offered by fellow alums—with net proceeds going toward grants programs that help those in need. The online auction will go live on June 12 and will accept bids until June 30. The experiences span the globe and already include curated team-building experiences in Zurich and Berlin, bourbon tasting in Kentucky, one-of-a-kind art from Italy, craft beer tasting, and more.
Do you have tickets, tours, vacation home, or a unique experience to contribute to the on-line auction? Take a look at this link to see donation ideas that can help us raise money to support life-changing grants and improve lives for generations to come!
ONLINE AUCTION – Donate an Item
Empower Livelihoods & Multiply Your Impact
Published May 9, 2025 by Shantini Munthree in
Podcast: Marc Stoiber on Creating the Future of AI
Published May 5, 2025 by pgalums in
Marc Stoiber is a creative director and strategist who reinvents leading brands for a living. His work has been recognized by virtually every international industry award for advertising and design.
While Executive Creative Director at Grey, a leading creative agency, Marc helped the P&G brand team turn around the iconic Mr. Clean brand. Marc’s writing on brand innovation has been featured by TED, the Huffington Post, Fast Company, GreenBiz, and Sustainable Life Media. You can learn more about Marc’s work at BrandsInvestorsLove.com or MarcStoiber.com.
Marc joined our friend of the pod Bob Gilbreath for a fascinating conversation on how he’s building a one-person strategy and creative agency—with the help of an AI army. You’ll enjoy this candid conversation, full of practical stories, about how one entrepreneur is using AI as a creative wingman, looking at the future of work through an augmentation lens, and embracing our inner cluelessness.