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Summer 2003

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Rohm and Haas CEO Emphasizes Education in E.M.B.A. Lecture
By Tom Wirth

The Villanova Conference Center played host to the Executive MBA Program's first lecturer of the academic year on August 30, with Mr. Rajiv Gupta, chairman and chief executive officer of the Philadelphia-based corporation Rohm and Haas, as the honored guest speaker.

Organized in conjunction with the College of Commerce and Finance, under the direction of its dean, Dr. Tim Monahan and senior associate dean, Dr. Mohammad K. Najdawi,  Gupta spoke candidly about central issues in today's business world to a group of students enrolled in the EMBA program. Rohm and Haas has sponsored students in the EMBA program at Villanova since 2000.

Despite a rigorous international business schedule, Gupta made it clear that he takes the nurturing of future business professionals seriously and he stressed the importance of education in staying in step with the latest modifications and business models in an often unpredictable business world.

"Improved thinking is constantly needed in an evolving business world, and it's important that we're all aware of the new tools, philosophies and concepts that are being used to meet these changing business needs," said Gupta.

A proponent of "decentralization," a business model aimed at promoting creativity and liberation within the corporate workplace, Gupta holds that today's business challenges are about pushing people toward change and constant transformation, while staying true to several core absolutes.

"Management science can reduce, but cannot control all risks," he said. "The most important thing to remember is that the customer is always right. When the customer changes, the entire competitive landscape changes," he said.

And Gupta knows a thing or two about meeting customer needs. Rohm and Haas is one of the world's leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals, with sales exceeding six billion dollars and a workforce of more than 17,000 employees world wide. His company currently operates nearly 140 research and manufacturing locations in 27 different countries.

Dr. John R. Johannes, vice president for Academic Affairs, offering some introductory remarks at the beginning Friday evening's event, summed up the importance of the connection between academia and the business world, and especially Villanova's link to Rohm and Haas.

"It's important that we continue to create innovative programs and partnerships, and the dean, staff and faculty have all done a great job to make that happen," said  Johannes. "By emphasizing the connection between the 'ivory tower' of academe and the 'real world' of the private sector we are hoping to give our students an important advantage," he said.

A resident of St. David's, Gupta has a personal connection to Villanova as well. One of the motivating factors in his moving to the area in the late 1960s was his uncle, then a professor in the University's mathematics department.

Gupta has remained in the area ever since, and needless to say, has worked hard to cultivate success for himself and his company. In his parting words to the EMBA students, he offered what was probably the most valuable advice of all.

"A terminal degree does not equal terminal knowledge. I am still learning everyday," Gupta said. "Learning is a life long experience and change is what it is about.the winners are the ones who adapt to change, without breaking down," he said.