Collaborating to inspire others
Appointed early this year as managing director for Kimberly-Clark (Hong Kong), Robin Moriarty has an extensive brief. She is not just responsible for driving growth and the financial performance of the company's core consumer brands, which include Huggies, Kleenex and Scott paper towels, she also has a strategic advisory position in the north Asia leadership team, playing a key role in mapping out corporate growth in Greater China. Before arriving in Hong Kong, Moriarty was the company's regional director of feminine care in Latin America. During her four years of looking after that category, she provided the leadership and necessary inspiration to develop a clear vision and bring it to life. Prior to that, from 1998, she was with BellSouth International, working to expand the company's wireless communications business in the United States. With more than 15 years' experience in policy work and international business, Moriarty holds a doctorate in international relations from Emory University, studied political science at Duke University, and has fellowships from the University of Michigan and Stanford University. She talks to Jan Chan.
Was your career more a matter of good planning or good luck?
It was probably a bit of both. Over the course of my career, I have held staff and line management roles in a variety of industries, and have led multifunctional teams in the United States, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America and Asia. These experiences have melded together to give me a very interesting career. One of my favourite times was in a marketing role for the company's feminine-care category in Latin America. We changed everything - the brand positioning, product portfolio, packaging, communications, even the research and development. We flipped the category on its head and great results followed. These challenging, transformational types of opportunities prepare you for bigger roles later on.
Which achievements have given you greatest personal satisfaction?
For me, it is the little things that can mean a lot. Like when someone comes and asks for advice. Or learning something new and then sharing it with others. Or helping people achieve things that nobody thought were possible. Getting my PhD was also a pretty big deal.
How would you describe your style of leadership?
It is very collaborative and I focus on trying to serve as a guide to help people along the way. This style is something the company promotes internally, so it fits really well with my vision for the business in Hong Kong. I feel that if you can create a compelling vision and inspire, others will follow.
How do you assess new ventures?
When thinking about new business ideas, it is important to consult my team for input and feedback. Engagement and collaboration are often underestimated when getting ideas off the ground. Generally, we look to anticipate consumer needs and concentrate on exploring opportunities, innovations and untapped spaces.
If you could do one thing to change the world, what would it be?
I believe in giving people the chance to get a good education and a good job, so they can reach their potential and exceed their goals. That's why my efforts professionally and personally focus on giving opportunities for education and professional development. This is the way to make a difference in local communities, by empowering people to achieve more.
What do you aim to contribute as a member of outside committees?
I hope to bring different perspectives based on diverse experiences around the world and offer some fresh ideas to help solve problems. I'm now participating in the mentoring programme run by The Women's Foundation. It is a great platform for sharing experiences and contributing to the development of local talent in Hong Kong.
What is your advice for young recruits? Get exposure to as many different things as you possibly can. Read, attend classes, lunch with people who have interesting or weird jobs. Ask, learn, be open, listen and contribute. If young people participate in and contribute to the dialogue, it is a richer experience for everyone.
Multiskilled
She finds her role exciting, but it takes multitasking to a new level
For long holidays, Moriarty enjoys travelling to Uruguay for its beaches
She likes to share fresh ideas and is a frequent guest speaker at universities
