HBS faculty comprises scholars and practitioners who bring leading-edge research, extensive experience, and deep insights into the classroom, to organizations, and to leaders across the globe. We asked new faculty at HBS about their background, their new roles, and their interests.
Chip Bergh, senior lecturer, Marketing
What did you do before coming to HBS?
I have spent most of my career building brands. Most recently, I was the president and CEO of Levi Straus & Co. I took the job after 28 years at Procter & Gamble because I saw the possibility to create a legacy. My going-in thesis was that if I could make the brand as cool as it was when I was a kid, it would turn the brand around, which would turn the company around. And that’s what we did, putting it back at the center of culture and restoring its iconic position. At P&G, I led the creation and launch of Swiffer, the turnaround of Mr. Clean and Old Spice, and the Gillette blades and razors business globally after its $57 billion acquisition. Before P&G, I spent four years as an Army officer stationed in Europe during the Cold War.
How have you exercised leadership in business?
I have always been a purpose-driven, values-led leader with a strong belief in the power of teamwork. As the CEO of Levi’s, I had an incredible platform to stand for important issues. Over the last decade, we instituted a very generous paid parental leave program and I became an advocate for this nationally. I have been vocal about ending gun violence in the U.S., and led a CEO letter to Congress with more than 500 other co-signers calling for the passage of the Safer Community Act, the first major piece of gun violence legislation passed in more than 10 years. Finally, I was one of the first CEOs to speak out about protecting our employees’ right to choose after SCOTUS struck down Roe v. Wade.
What will you be teaching?
I’m excited to be teaching Marketing in the Required Curriculum this fall!
What would you be doing if you weren’t a professor?
I benefitted throughout my career from great bosses, mentors, and coaches, and have loved that aspect of my job. If I wasn’t teaching, I might be coaching executives. I would likely also devote more time to writing. I’m on two outside public company boards, and maybe would consider one or two more. I need to stay busy.
Where are you from?
I grew up north of New York City—if you’ve ever watched Mad Men, that was my childhood! My dad (an HBS alum) worked at NBC back in the day, when television was only three national broadcasters. During my adult life, I’ve lived outside of Frankfurt, and in Cincinnati, Singapore, and Boston. We moved to San Francisco 13 years ago when I took the Levi’s job. We’re excited to be back, just blocks from where we lived before!
What is something you like to do outside of your academic work?
Family first, spending time with my wife, Juliet, and my three kids. My wife and I work out almost daily; love outdoor activity; cook our own nutritious meals; and focus on being thankful for all the positives in our life.
What’s your favorite book, movie, or piece of art?
My top three books are The Art of Possibility by Benjamin Zander and Rosamund Stone Zander, The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz, and From Strength to Strength by Arthur Brooks, which I read shortly before making the decision to retire as CEO. I also periodically go back and read Lessons from Lucy: The Simple Joys of an Old, Happy Dog by Dave Barry, because it’s lighthearted and so true (as a dog lover!).
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