Frank MurrayAssociate Director of Research Ph.D., University of Virginia, Charlottesville, 1978

Dr. Murray earned a B.S. in Physics from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, an M.S. in Physics from Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and a Ph.D. in Materials Science from The University of Virginia in Charlottesville. Subsequent professional training took him to The Levinson Institute, Synetics Inc., Communispond Inc., University of Michigan Business School and Development Dimensions Inc.

Prior to joining IPST, Dr. Murray had twenty-nine years of product development, marketing, and manufacturing experience with Georgia Pacific and Kimberly-Clark Corporation. He has demonstrated accomplishment in improved product design, new product ideas, customer satisfaction, and manufacturing operations while increasing sales volume and profit margins.

Currently Dr. Murray is Research Liaison support for the Director of IPST @ Georgia Tech where his objective is to use a disciplined approach to issues, analysis, innovation, persuasion, and leadership for the purpose of achieving positive organizational goals.

Research Summary

Lead research & discovery program for a new tissue manufacturing process requiring lower capital and operating cost, and providing increased machine productivity (patents pending).

Lead program to add two tissue machines to support G-P’s market growth. Both projects were delivered ahead of schedule and on budget.

Led the integration team for GEORGIA-PACIFIC & NEKOOSA PAPERS  product lines post merger. Conceived and led the G-P PAPERS master brand graphics/positioning   development, and the consolidated product line implementation. Cash flow improvement realized via operational efficiencies, while maintaining customer service.

Developed facilities plan for US/Canadian tissue business integration (NAFTA). Project key to a $200 MM plant capitalization, and introduction of  KLEENEX bath tissue.

Led research, development and test marketing of two new consumer products: COMMAND Laundry Detergent Sheets, and ONCE OVERS Bathroom Cleaning Wipes. Test markets demonstrated insufficient volume/profit development, avoiding costly introduction programs.

Licensed CARE BEARS graphics for KLEENEX tissues, creating new appeal to an emerging market; yielding $1.3 MM incremental annual profit. (Distinguished Performance Award).

Developed and introduced a line extending (earth-tone) kitchen towel, increasing HI-DRI Towels’ sales volume and national market share (+ 1.5 share points).