The Evolution of the Corporate R&D Organizational Chart: How Diverse R&D Teams Drive Innovation

Keynote Session
Tuesday, May 23 2:45pm – 3:45pm


The role of corporate R&D is evolving as companies from every industry face disruption and more high-stakes challenges than ever before. Therefore, R&D leaders must challenge the status quo as they seek new, innovative solutions to complex challenges from sustainability to advanced manufacturing and everything in between. And while inclusion is a precursor to innovation, how should leaders really be thinking about inclusion in the lab? While some are just beginning to work toward a more representative team, those who are ready to look further must now consider multidisciplinary approaches inclusive of Human Science. We’ll explore the inner workings of a truly diverse R&D team, and the inclusive environment required for breakthrough innovation. Because natural sciences and engineering alone can’t invent all that is required to build a sustainable future. And the world is counting on us.

Meet the Speaker

José Méndez-Andino is executive vice president and chief research and development officer, as well as a member of the Executive Committee at Owens Corning, a global leader in insulation, roofing, and fiberglass composites.
In this role, to which he was appointed in 2021, Dr. Méndez-Andino is responsible for leveraging product, process, and material science innovation to accelerate growth for the company. His accountabilities encompass oversight of strategy and innovation across the company’s three major businesses and leadership of enterprise R&D capabilities.
Dr. Méndez-Andino joined Owens Corning in 2012 and most recently served as vice president of science and technology for the company’s Insulation and Roofing businesses. Previously, he served in a variety of leadership roles with increasing responsibility across the company’s R&D and technology development teams. Prior to joining Owens Corning, Dr. Méndez-Andino spent 10 years at Procter & Gamble, where he served in a variety of leadership capacities spanning science, product development and new business creation.
Dr. Méndez-Andino earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Chemistry from Universidad de Puerto Rico and a Ph.D. in synthetic organic chemistry from The Ohio State University. He then completed his post-doctorate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, he earned a master’s degree in applied anthropology from the University of North Texas.

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