BIC CEO Gonzalve Bich: Igniting Creativity and Growth [Speaker Spotlight]

Gonzalve Bich is the Chief Executive Officer of BIC, where he leads the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, champions the company's mission and vision, and engages with global stakeholders.

As the third-generation CEO of the Bich family, he upholds a proud legacy of leadership spanning 75 years. A French-American, Gonzalve holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Harvard University (2001) and commenced his career as a Management Consultant with Deloitte in New York City. Since assuming the role of CEO in 2017, Gonzalve has overseen the entirety of BIC's operations with a focus on innovation and sustainable growth. 

With great anticipation for Gonzalve's Opening Keynote at our 10th Annual American Manufacturing Summit, we seized the opportunity to explore his industry insights and leadership philosophy.

Here are some key takeaways from our conversation:

Can you discuss any recent challenges BIC has faced in implementing adaptive manufacturing strategies and how you've overcome them? 

BIC recently set a goal of achieving a high level of capability and performance, aiming for over 80% Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) across all operations. This target presented challenges, as traditional efficiency improvements were not easily attainable. However, we successfully addressed this challenge by implementing enhanced measurement techniques, robust reporting systems, and establishing seamless connections between operations and data throughout the entire process chain.

Another pressing matter was standardizing production processes to ensure consistent and reliable operations while integrating various business functions and breaking down silos for enhanced productivity, communication, and innovation. We achieved this by implementing the Plex MES Solution from Rockwell Automation, which streamlined processes, improved team coordination, and fostered a collaborative culture focused on continuous improvement.

Gonzalve Bich presenting at the 10th Annual American Manufacturing Summit

What are the primary factors BIC considers when determining which manufacturing strategies to prioritize? 

When selecting our manufacturing strategies, BIC places a strong emphasis on customer needs as the primary guiding factor.

We prioritize developing products that directly address consumer pain points and add value, rather than focusing solely on manufacturing excellence without centering on the consumer.

This approach has led us to a comprehensive understanding, enhanced capabilities, and greater resilience, ensuring that our strategies are aligned with delivering meaningful solutions to our customers' needs.

As you look ahead, what emerging opportunities and trends do you foresee in manufacturing? What steps is BIC taking to adapt and flourish in this evolving landscape? 

As we look forward, one of the prominent emerging trends in manufacturing is the integration of regionalization with a heightened emphasis on end-to-end efficiency. At BIC, we fully recognize the importance of adapting to these trends to thrive in the dynamic and evolving manufacturing space. The success of our recent strategy to establish a site in Mexico exemplifies the significance of these trends. This initiative entailed strategic adjustments in our network infrastructure, a dedicated effort to minimize inventory levels, and a simultaneous focus on elevating customer service standards.

Gonzalve Bich presenting at the 10th Annual American Manufacturing Summit

How does BIC ensure that safety and compliance are given top priority within its manufacturing facilities?

At BIC, safety and compliance are paramount priorities within our manufacturing facilities.

We firmly believe that safety is not an option but a fundamental requirement, as we understand that caring for our employees' well-being is essential for their engagement and productivity.

Over the years, we have achieved significant success in this area, with successive annual reductions of 30% in Lost Time Incidents (LTIs) globally. BIC’s unwavering commitment is evident in its ongoing pursuit of zero LTIs, with several of our sites already achieving this milestone for more than a year.

How do you ensure your manufacturing personnel are motivated to contribute towards achieving BIC's global business objectives through their day-to-day duties? 

We motivate our manufacturing personnel to actively contribute to BIC's global business objectives through effective communication strategies. As a consumer goods company, we understand that our teams are not just employees but also customers. Their feedback is invaluable, and we prioritize active listening, fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment. This approach ensures that our personnel feel valued and motivated to make significant contributions in their daily tasks, aligning their efforts with our overarching business goals.

As we conclude our discussion with Gonzalve, we trust you've discovered some fresh perspectives for your business!

For more insights from leading industry innovators, explore other interviews with our executive speaker facility here.