John G. Smale
American businessman
About John G. Smale
Lived 1927 – 2011 (aged 84). John G. Smale was a Canadian advertising person.
John Gray Smale (August 1, 1927 - November 19, 2011) was an American businessman, the chief executive (CEO) of Procter & Gamble from 1981 to 1990, and chairman of General Motors from 1992 to 1995.
According to his obituary in The New York Times, he "led Procter & Gamble through a period of extraordinary growth, and then helped engineer a turnaround of General Motors"
In 1952, he joined Procter & Gamble in dental products and persuaded the American Dental Association to endorse a new product, Crest toothpaste, which went on to become one of P&G's best-selling brands. He rose to become its seventh CEO, a role he held from 1981 to 1990.
Personal life Smale was married to Phyllis Weaver for 56 years until her death in 2006, and they had four children, John Gray Jr, Peter, Catherine Anne Caldemeyer, and Lisa Smale.
He died at his home in Cincinnati, Ohio, on November 19, 2011, aged 84.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John G. Smale?
American businessman (1927-2011)
When was John G. Smale born?
John G. Smale was born on 1 August 1927 in Listowel.
When did John G. Smale die?
John G. Smale died on 19 November 2011 in Cincinnati.
What was John G. Smale's occupation?
John G. Smale was an advertising person.
What nationality was John G. Smale?
John G. Smale was Canadian.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John G. Smale. https://biography.guide/john-g-smale/
MLA: "John G. Smale." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-g-smale/.
Chicago: "John G. Smale." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-g-smale/.
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