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by Beth Stackpole, Contributing Editor   For the last few years, Esselte Corp. (Stamford, CT), a $1.2 billion global manufacturer of office products, has been relentless and systematic about pursuing innovation. First came a concerted effort on the part of President and CEO Magnus Nicolin to infuse the spirit of innovation throughout Esselte's culture and to impress on employees its importance to the company's future growth. Small divisions were set up specifically to experiment with and test new products. Cross-functional committees were tasked with exploring new ideas and ways of conducting business, and formal practices were put into place to solicit feedback and requirements from customers. The latest move in Esselte's innovation makeover has been to create a new senior management position charged with promoting innovation best practices across the company. "This shows our organization's commitment to innovation -- it's not just words anymore," says Sean Fernandez, Esselte's newly named senior vice president of innovation. "Having someone focused on innovation makes sure that, even under pressure and with multiple priorities, we don't lose our focus on the critical products that will set the future for the company in the long term." [Click to continue] |