WASHINGTON, DC — January 25, 2005 — In recognition of his statesmanship and commitment to forging alliances that benefit the entire food industry, James M. Kilts, chairman, president and CEO, The Gillette Company, is the recipient of this year’s William H. Albers Industry Relations Award. Food Marketing Institute (FMI) Board Chair Liz Minyard presented the award at FMI’s 2005 Midwinter Executive Conference yesterday in Boca Raton, FL.
     

Kilts “is that rare individual who can see both the big picture and the details — and the need for ongoing innovation,” Minyard said in presenting the award. “Jim’s supply chain begins at the store shelf. Success depends on managing the details to move the right products at the right time so that shelf is continuously replenished.”
     

Mr. Kilts and Gillette have pioneered the use of RFID technology using the electronic product code (EPC). Under his leadership, the company was among the first to test the technology and is now implementing it on a broad scale. The company sponsored the EPC Showcase at the 2004 FMI Show.
     

Mr. Kilts serves as current chairman of the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA), where he has led the drive to promote e-collaboration among all trading partners. He also led the GMA campaign to raise awareness of the global problem of counterfeiting and the risks it poses for our industry.
     

A strong supporter of education, Mr. Kilts serves as a trustee of his alma matter — Knox College. He is the founding donor for the James M. Kilts Center for Marketing at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, where he earned an MBA.