Terri Kelly of W.L. Gore on leading change in an “innovation democracy”
W.L. Gore & Associates, a $3 billion global business of 10,000 associates best known for its GORE-TEX® fabrics, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most innovative and fascinating companies. In the face of sector disruption, Terri Kelly, President and CEO, is driving change through an organisation that is already renowned as a Great Place to Work.
Gore is a privately held technology-driven company focused on discovery and product innovation. Well known for waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® fabric, the company’s portfolio includes everything from high performance fabrics and implantable medical devices to industrial manufacturing components and aerospace electronics.
Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Newark, Delaware, Gore posts annual sales of more than $3 billion and employs some 10,000 associates in manufacturing facilities in the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and China, and sales offices around the world.
Gore is one of the world’s most innovative business cultures and the only company to be in the “100 Best Companies to work for in America” list since its inception in 1998. Salaries are decided by peers, there is no organisational chart, no hierarchy and no bosses. Terri is one of the very few with a job title and she was chosen as CEO by her peers.
Terri has been President and CEO of W. L. Gore & Associates for 12 years and has been with this remarkable company since 1983 when she joined as an engineer.
Terri Kelly spoke at our Inside Innovation, Disruption and Change event in June 2017, alongside David Pemsel, CEO, Guardian News & Media Group. Watch a video of David here.
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