Joachim von Heimburg is one of the most experienced innovation practitioners in the European Industry. He led the culture change of a leading global company (Procter & Gamble) from traditional R&D to Open Innovation (Connect & Develop) in Europe/Middle East/Africa. In 2009 he retired from P&G after over 30 years of diverse work experience in R&D and Product Development ranging from chemicals over packaging to substrates. He has extensive multi-cultural on-the-ground working experience in six countries (Belgium, Canada, Germany, Switzerland, Turkey and the USA). In April 2010, after working as an independent innovation guide helping companies to innovate for some time, he joined SABIC, one of the leading global chemical companies as General Manager responsible for global innovation and corporate research programs.
He has successfully created connections between companies leading to new business opportunities and developed industry innovation networks. From 2007 to 2008 he participated in the Innovation Task Force of the European Policy Center - a think-tank for the EU commission. Till 2009 he was a member of the Research & Innovation committee of CEFIC (European Chemical Industry Council). He is a sought-after speaker on innovation having given numerous presentations at international conferences and workshops on innovation in 2007 - 2009.
For more details see the following websites:
Interview with BBC Radio 4 on open innovation
The Nesta Open Innovation Challenge in the UK
Presentation on Open Innovation at the GDCh VCW conference on Innovation
He holds a Ph.D. in theoretical physics of the university of Marburg, Germany. In addition to physics, he studied economics at the University of Frankfurt, Germany.
Favorite Quote: Logic will get you from A to B, imagination will take you everywhere (A. Einstein)
Favorite Book: Fooled by Randomness (Nassim Taleb)
Favorite Film: Hoosiers (with Gene Hackman)
Contact: joachim@jvhinnovation.de