Executive Viewpoint on the Geopolitics of Business: Mark Breden, Senior Executive at Procter and Gamble

Abstract

The contemporary geopolitical environment has posed new challenges and opportunities for business organizations worldwide. With increasing international economic alignments and political conflict, organizations need to manage with innovative methodologies. These operational changes have an impact on the practice of public administration, finance, and law. With the intent of highlighting a real world case in geopolitical management, Professor Mark Munoz of Millikin University and undergraduate students Chris Garcia and Alex Robertson interviewed Mark Breden, a senior executive at Procter and Gamble.  Procter and Gamble has a market cap that is greater than the GDP of several countries. Their brands serve 4.8 billion of the 7 billion people worldwide and have led to sales of over $84 billion (2013). They have 25 billion dollar brands in the field of beauty, grooming, healthcare, fabric and home care, and baby and family care. Company products include internationally renowned brands such as Gillette, Tide, Crest, Vics and Duracell. They have over 8,000 employees comprised of over 150 nationalities. With a truly global footprint, the company values integrity, leadership, ownership, passion for winning and trust. The interview captures the geopolitical mindset of one of the company’s senior executives.

Keywords: Geopolitics, Geopolitical Management, International Management.