F&M Stories

James R. Stengel is a respected business leader, author, professor and public speaker. After a 25-year career in marketing leadership at Procter & Gamble (P&G), Stengel founded The Jim Stengel Company LLC, a marketing consulting firm committed to ideals-driven businesses and brands.

A native of Lancaster, Pa., Stengel began his prolific marketing career shortly after graduating from Franklin & Marshall College in 1977. He joined P&G in 1983, where he earned increased responsibility in the multinational company's developing markets, cosmetic, food, and baby-care businesses. In 2001, Stengel was named global marketing officer, managing an $8 billion advertising budget.

In 2008, Stengel made the bold decision to leave consumer marketing and launch his own consultancy, The Jim Stengel Company. The think tank conducts proprietary research, generating thought leadership and applying a new framework to drive business growth in today's global economy. Stengel's approach as president and CEO is strategic and holistic, with a mission to rethink business, branding and life. The company works with clients in technology, health care, fashion, retail, and wine and spirits.

Stengel's unconventional yet successful approach has earned accolades. In 2011, he was named to the first Fortune Executive Dream TEAM. Stengel has presented at numerous events, including TED Talk, the Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival, and the Association of National Advertisers Conference. He is a professional speaker with the Washington Speakers Bureau. He is also a senior fellow and adjunct professor at the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management.

Stengel's recent endeavors include "The CMO Podcast," a highly rated production that features intimate conversations with dynamic chief marketing officers across industries. His TED Talk, "The Era of Higher Ideals in Business," centers on his personal quest to build business based on ideals such as generosity, giving, service and passion.

Stengel's first book, "Grow: How Ideals Power Growth and Profit at the World's Greatest Companies," was called a "must-read" by bestselling author and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg.

Praised by readers and hailed as a "landmark" book by business luminaries, "Grow" proves the connection between fundamental human values and superior financial performance. These market leaders—now known as "The Stengel 50"—boast growth rates triple that of their competitors.

Stengel's latest book, "Unleashing the Innovators: How Mature Companies Find New Life With Startups," features in-depth stories from the front lines of today's most forward-looking companies.

Stengel was recognized in 2003, 2004, 2006, and 2007 by Advertising Age as the No. 1 "Power PLAYER" in marketing. In 2005, he was recognized as Grand MARKETER of the Year by Brandweek magazine, the same year P&G was named Marketer of the Year by Advertising Age.

Jim Stengel, for your lengthy and award-winning career in consumer marketing, your successful endeavors as a public speaker and author, and your commitment to purpose-driven leadership, Franklin & Marshall College bestows upon you the Honorary Degree, Doctor of Humane Letters.