Guest speaker - Rich Lauf

Please welcome our guest.

Richard I. Lauf, Ph.D.

Board Chair, World Affairs Council of Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky

Biography

Dr. Lauf worked for Procter & Gamble from 1972-2001 in a variety of line management and staff roles in manufacturing, information technology, interactive marketing, and corporate new ventures. For six years he held an internal consulting position. In that capacity he led planning efforts that improved strategic options for coping with the hyperinflation in Venezuela and the economic crisis in Mexico. He guided the integration of Richardson-Vicks’ Mexican operations into P&G. He led the initial sourcing study for European manufacturing and distribution following the opening of EU trade policies by the Schengen Agreement.

He holds a Ph.D. in Business and Information Technology from the Union Institute and University. His field of study centered on the ways that networks, whether technology, human or business, are reshaping business models, society and national security. He is currently an independent researcher and writer. He has published case studies on digital diplomacy at the US State Dept, file sharing in the music industry, mobile games, and the use of social media to on-board new employees in companies and the military.

He served in the U.S. Army as an infantry platoon leader, including service in the Republic of Viet Nam, where his awards include the Combat Infantry Badge and the Purple Heart.

In addition to his work with the World Affairs Council, he is a Board Member of the Cincinnati Opera and active in the English Speaking Union and the Foreign Policy Leadership Council.