Douglas M. Baker, Jr. has been the CEO of Ecolab Inc. since 2004 and has 35 years of experience with the company, starting in 1989. He also became the Chairman of the Board in 2006. During his time, he shifted...
Douglas M. Baker, Jr. has been the CEO of Ecolab Inc. since 2004 and has 35 years of experience with the company, starting in 1989. He also became the Chairman of the Board in 2006. During his time, he shifted Ecolab's focus towards growth in various markets like cleaning and sanitation products in healthcare and manufacturing. Baker believes that performance should drive compensation. In 2017, his total pay was over $14 million, heavily tied to the company’s success. For instance, his bonus depended on meeting defined performance measures, showing a strong link between his work and shareholder interests. Under his lead, Ecolab has developed robust governance practices that prevent risky behavior, like strict compensation review procedures and policies against stock hedging. Baker has been an influential figure, steering Ecolab through changes, and he also sits on the boards of other major companies. His long-standing experience at Ecolab and previous roles in marketing and management help him understand both the company and its challenges well.