01/19/98 TABLE: Gillette Has Big Plans for the Next Five Years...But Also Faces a Host of Challenges

Gillette Has Big Plans for the Next Five Years...But Also Faces a Host of Challenges

Gillette Has Big Plans for the Next Five Years...

-- Continued double-digit annual growth, matching the heady 17% rate of the past five years.
-- Expansion of global markets in Asia, Russia, and Latin America.
-- Increased emphasis on new products will include rolling out a new premium razor and inventions in oral care and batteries.

...But Also Faces a Host of Challenges

-- CEO Al Zeien may retire soon. His contract expires in February, capping three one-year extensions. Heir apparent Michael Hawley is largely unknown outside Gillette.
-- Lines such as Braun and the pen business continue to lag as researchers struggle to invent a ''home-run'' product like Sensor.
-- Global currency jitters threaten international growth strategy.

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