1. From Test Tube to Toilets
Paul Ellis
Reckitt Benckiser

2. From Bunson Burners to Bikini Waxing

3. Ultraviolet to Verrucas

5. History 1823 Benckiser founded in Ludwigshafen Germany
1840 Reckitt & Sons founded in Hull, UK
1938 Reckitt and Sons and J&J Colman merge
Dec 1999 Reckitt & Colman plc merges with Benckiser NV to create Reckitt Benckiser plc. Listed on London Stock Exchange
Feb 2006 Reckitt Benckiser plc acquires Boots Healthcare International, doubling its presence in Health & Personal Care
Jan 2008 Reckitt Benckiser completes acquisition of Adams Therapeutics Inc in USA, including Mucinex, leader in US cough relief
2010 Reckitt Benckiser completes the acquistion of SSL International including the Scholl and Durex brands

6. Operations in 60+ countries 42 Manufacturing facilities world-wide
World leader in attractive household cleaning health & personal care categories (c.75% of net revenues from No.1 or No.2 brands)
Global company
Operations in 60+ countries
42 Manufacturing facilities world-wide
Sales in c. 180 countries world-wide.
c.23,000 employees.
UK listed, top 25 of FTSE 100

7. Paul Ellis Reckitt Benckiser R&D Director – Footcare
R&D Director – New Technologies Group (2008 – 2011)
R&D Manager – Depilatories (2004 – 2008)
R&D Manager – Air Care (2001 – 2004)
R&D Manager – Scientific Services Group (1999 – 2001)
Senior Development Chemist, Surface Care (1997 – 1999)
Johnson Matthey
Development Chemist (1994 – 1997)
Cambridge University
Post Doctoral Research Assistant (1993 – 1994)
Sheffield University
Degree and PhD Chemistry (1987 – 1993)

8. How has a PhD helped me?

9. Chemistry
Podiatry

10. The skills I learnt during my PhD are far more useful than the Chemistry itself
Microbiology
Physics
Dermatology
Pharmacology
Physiology
Podiatry
Biomechanics

11. Problem Solving Testing of an hypothesis
Interpretation of data Product quality issues

12. The ability to ask “what if?”

13. Communication Skills
Negotiating to get time on shared equipment (NMR, IR)
Negotiating with a factory to get time on the line to trial your new product
Presentation at conferences or to industrial sponsors
Selling ideas or presenting work to marketing or senior management
Report writing and summation
Discussing ideas and theories – to make better and stronger

14. A global perspective
Enjoy the rich mix of cultures and nationalities whilst at University (Chinese, Russian, Dutch, Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Australian)
Placement in Italy
RB’s International mobility
“ A company without a country”
Diversity
Global Mindset – products developed for a global rather than local market
Best practices shared

15. So if you’re thinking of a career outside of academia, think about your skills and how you could apply them Build your networks – talk to people already doing that type of job

16. Find out about the company. It’s a 2 way process
Find out about the company? It’s a 2 way process. Is the company right for you too?
Team Spirit Ownership Achievement Entrepreneurship

18. Questions?