“Helping People Be Their Best Selves.”
Gary Peterson is a distinguished manufacturing executive, advisor, and educator whose career reflects a deep and enduring commitment to transforming organizations through people. With more than 38 years of professional experience, Gary has built a legacy centered on continuous improvement, cultural evolution, and empowering individuals to reach their highest potential. His work stands at the intersection of operational excellence and human development, where he has consistently demonstrated that the strongest systems are built on engaged, capable, and inspired people.
Gary’s professional journey began with a strong analytical foundation, earning a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Computer Science followed by an MBA with honors from Brigham Young University. Early in his career, he applied his expertise in market research and analytics, developing a keen understanding of customer insight, segmentation, and data-driven decision-making. These formative years shaped his ability to approach complex challenges with both rigor and creativity, laying the groundwork for his future leadership in manufacturing and operations.
Over time, Gary transitioned into leadership roles within O.C. Tanner Company, where he would spend over two decades shaping the organization’s operational and cultural landscape. Starting in market research and progressively advancing through leadership positions, he ultimately became Executive Vice President of Supply Chain and Manufacturing. In this role, Gary was responsible for overseeing large-scale production, engineering, distribution, and operational systems, guiding the company through significant growth and transformation.
One of Gary’s most notable achievements was leading a profound cultural shift within manufacturing operations. At a time when traditional command-and-control leadership styles dominated the industry, Gary championed a move toward empowerment, engagement, and team-based ownership. He believed that the true drivers of excellence were not top-down directives but the creativity, accountability, and problem-solving capabilities of frontline teams. This philosophy became the cornerstone of a world-class continuous improvement culture that garnered global recognition.
Visitors to O.C. Tanner’s facilities often remarked on the unique environment Gary helped cultivate—one defined by ownership at every level, collaborative innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Under his leadership, the organization achieved significant improvements in quality, efficiency, and delivery while simultaneously enhancing employee engagement and satisfaction. This transformation earned Gary and his team the prestigious Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing, as well as induction into the Association for Manufacturing Excellence Hall of Fame.
Beyond his corporate achievements, Gary has made significant contributions to the broader manufacturing and leadership community. He served for over 15 years on the Executive Advisory Board of the Shingo Institute, helping to shape thought leadership around operational excellence and guiding organizations worldwide in adopting sustainable improvement practices. His influence extends internationally, with experience spanning the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia, and Canada, where he has shared insights and collaborated with global leaders.
In recent years, Gary has transitioned into a portfolio career that reflects his passion for teaching, mentoring, and advising. He currently serves as an Executive in Residence at The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business and as faculty with Catalysis Inc., while also holding advisory and consulting roles across multiple organizations. Through these engagements, he continues to inspire the next generation of leaders and support organizations in building cultures that prioritize both performance and people.
Gary’s expertise spans a wide range of disciplines, including lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, change management, supply chain leadership, and leadership development. He is also recognized for his background in analytics and marketing, bringing a unique perspective that bridges operational execution with strategic insight. This combination allows him to approach challenges holistically, ensuring that solutions are both data-informed and human-centered.
A frequent speaker at industry events, Gary is known for his ability to communicate complex concepts in a relatable and impactful way. His presentations often focus on the critical role of people skills in achieving organizational success, emphasizing that sustainable improvement is rooted in trust, engagement, and shared purpose. His thought leadership continues to influence organizations seeking to move beyond traditional management paradigms toward more dynamic and inclusive models.
At the heart of Gary’s work is a deeply personal mission: to help individuals and organizations more fully realize their potential. He is driven by a genuine desire to see people grow, improve, and succeed—not only professionally but in all aspects of life. This purpose informs every role he takes on, from executive leadership to coaching and advisory positions, and serves as a guiding principle throughout his career.
Now retired from full-time corporate leadership, Gary remains highly active in consulting, coaching, and board advisory roles. He is particularly interested in working with manufacturing and production organizations, where he can leverage his experience to strengthen leadership capability, enhance culture, and drive continuous improvement. His motivation is clear—to continue making a meaningful impact by helping organizations become more effective, engaging, and human-centered.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Gary enjoys a range of activities that reflect his energetic and balanced approach to life, including golf, snowboarding, hiking, basketball, and travel. These pursuits complement his professional philosophy, reinforcing the importance of growth, enjoyment, and connection in all aspects of life.
Gary Peterson’s career is a testament to the power of combining technical expertise with a people-first mindset. His legacy is not only measured in operational achievements but in the countless individuals and organizations he has helped transform along the way. As he continues to serve in advisory and coaching capacities, his influence remains both profound and far-reaching.
Character:
Gary Peterson demonstrates unwavering integrity and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed. He consistently prioritizes the growth and well-being of individuals, fostering environments where people feel valued and empowered. His actions reflect a deep sense of purpose and a dedication to making a positive impact on both organizations and the people within them.
Knowledge:
He brings extensive expertise across manufacturing, operations, analytics, and leadership development. His ability to integrate data-driven insights with practical experience allows him to solve complex challenges effectively. He continuously seeks to expand his understanding, ensuring his guidance remains relevant and impactful in evolving industries.
Strategic:
Gary excels at aligning organizational strategy with operational execution to drive sustainable results. He has a proven ability to lead large-scale transformations that improve both performance and culture. His strategic mindset enables him to anticipate challenges and position organizations for long-term success.
Communication:
A compelling communicator who translates complex ideas into clear, actionable insights. He engages audiences through thoughtful storytelling and practical examples that resonate across all levels of an organization. His ability to connect with people fosters trust, collaboration, and shared understanding.
