Smale, John (Gray) (1927– )

Canadian-born corporate executive. He spent most of his career at Procter & Gamble, where he launched numerous new personal care products and acquired Richardson-Vicks and G D Searle's over-the-counter drugs. As variously president, CEO, and chairman 1974–90, he rejuvenated Procter & Gamble's corporate culture. He also served as board chairman of the General Motors Corp. 1992–95, designing a major company restructuring programme.