Alfred M. Zeien

Cover Story -- The Best Managers: Top Managers of 1996

ALFRED M. ZEIEN

Two years ago, Gillette directors raised eyebrows by letting CEO ALFRED M. ZEIEN stay past the mandatory retirement age of 65. Shareholders are happy they did. Under Zeien, Gillette has racked up 25 straight quarters of double-digit earnings gains. 1996 was no exception. As Zeien extended Gillette's global dominance in shaving and pulled off a $7.7 billion buyout of battery maker Duracell, its stock rose nearly 40%.