Firstly, I am proud to be joining a company that has made pet safety and happiness their primary objective. We don't just sell products, we are improving lives and bringing joy to pets and their families every day, and that is a hugely inspiring purpose.
Second is the team and culture. Business performance is almost inevitable when an organization has a great sense of purpose and talented, inspired people who love what they do and know why they do it. It is super inspiring that many leaders in Radio Systems have been there for more than half the company's life. That means we have a very rare and special combination of talent and deep expertise to improve the lives of pets through their work.
Robert, or “Rob,” as most people call him, is the Chief Executive Officer and comes to RSC after a dynamic career with Unilever, where he most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of the Thai Group of Companies and Regional Head of Unilever Inland ASEAN which includes Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Brunei.
Rob graduated with an Honors degree from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, and afterward joined Unilever Canada as an intern in 1997. After several years in Sales and Marketing roles in Canada, Rob has lived in numerous countries including the USA, UK and Thailand and his work in a variety of functions such as Innovation, Brand Marketing and General Management has impacted consumers all over the world. Over the years, Rob and his teams have received distinguished industry awards such as the “Integrated Campaign of the Year for Dove Men+Care” from AdWeek and Dove being named one of “America’s Hottest Brands” by AdAge. In November 2013, Rob was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement for his significant contribution to the advertising and media industry.
Rob's interests include a wide and varied commitment to philanthropy. Through his work, he has been a public advocate and investor in a myriad of sustainability programs such as plastic circularity initiatives and sustainable nutrition programs. Rob also served on the Board of Clean the World Foundation and as an advisor to Dragonfly360, which works for gender equality in all areas of society.
In addition, Rob advises numerous startup founders to help with business strategy and planning. Rob aims to spend a few hours each week among the 20+ leaders worldwide who he mentors and advises. Rob considers himself very lucky to have had a handful of people believe and support him on his life journey. Says Rob, "Their sponsorship has changed my life for the better so I feel quite strongly that it's important to "send the elevator back down" and help others wherever and whenever I can. I look forward to doing more of that in Knoxville very soon!"
Rob and his family are very excited to be relocating to Knoxville in summer of 2022.
Connect with Rob Candelino on LinkedIn
Twitter: @RobCandy