At the Professional Science Master’s (PSM) program, we are dedicated to bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expertise. One of our recent initiatives, the MBS Café Speakers Series, offers students the unique opportunity to interact and learn from leading figures across different fields.
On June 5th, we hosted the second talk in this exciting series, facilitated by Rupa Misra, Ed.D., coordinator for MBS’s User Experience Design (UXD) and Product Design concentrations. Our featured speaker was Dr. Raj Kohli, who recently retired as Executive Vice President of Global Research and Development (R&D) from Colgate-Palmolive.
Dr. Kohli brought a wealth of global experience to the table, sharing valuable lessons from his time working across the United States, Asia, and Europe. His extensive background in personal care and home care products and his success in establishing numerous technology centers worldwide have given him a profound understanding of multinational cultures and markets.
Dr. Kohli started his talk with an overview of how fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) companies develop and launch products. He defined FMCG products as items that can be sold quickly and at relatively low prices, such as toiletries, beverages, and over-the-counter drugs—unlike durable goods such as washing machines and cars.
He then delved into the organizational strategies that companies employ to bring their products to market. Dr. Kohli outlined the key players in the commercialization process:
- R&D and Packaging: These are typically the main cost drivers. Developing new materials, such as a new chemical to aim for a specific performance, requires close coordination with suppliers, which can be expensive.
- Product Safety and Quality: It’s important to ensure consistent quality and performance, as promised on the label, especially for products intended for children.
- Legal and Regulatory: The regulatory landscape varies by region, with bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S., the European Commission, and China’s National Medical Products Administration. Regulations become even stricter when products contain active ingredients, such as fluoride in toothpaste or UV filters in sunscreens.
- Manufacturing and Distribution: Dr. Kohli explained the process from laboratory batches to pilot plants, and eventually to full-scale manufacturing. This step ensures that products can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively.
- Marketing and Consumer insights: In an industry where competition is fierce, listening to market trends and consumer needs is vital.
- Sales: The final step involves advertising and communicating the product’s benefits through various media and consumer engagement channels.
Throughout his talk, Dr. Kohli shared relatable examples, such as the development of new ice cream flavors or innovative shampoo formulas, to illustrate his points.
He concluded by discussing the challenges faced during the commercialization process including product instability, failed clinical testing, and scaling difficulties. He emphasized the importance of continuous improvement, staying ahead of the competition, and maintaining clear communication across teams to navigate these obstacles.
Dr. Kohli’s talk gave our students a deeper understanding of the complexities and excitement of bringing consumer products to market. Stay tuned for our next speaker in the series!
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