40 Under Forty alumni: Bob Waitt, Class of 2013 - leads marketing for a global life sciences manufacturer
Bob Waitt in 2013 and 2024
Photo | Edd Cote
The 40 Under Forty winners and alumni who Shrewsbury Public Library, where the new addition was designed by LPA | Architects, were (from left) Kevin Shea (Class of 2002), Rosibel Alicea Torres (Class of 2024), Christina Andreoli (Class of 2008), Margo Valdes (Class of 2024), Sean Brennan (Class of 2024), and Bob Waitt (Class of 2013).
- Class of 2013
- Then President, Albright Technologies, in Leominster
- Now Global strategic marketing director, life science at Elkem ASA in Oslo, Norway
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Waitt suffered from imposter syndrome after working his way up the corporate ladder at Albright Technologies from a part-time job to company president, but being named to WBJ’s 40 Under Forty in 2013 instilled him with confidence in his abilities as a leader in business.
He’s now applying those leadership skills at Elkem ASA, a $3-billion, multinational organization with more 7,300 employees, based in Norway. One of the world’s leading providers of silicon-based materials utilized in electric mobility, digital communications, and health care, the company’s global presence has him spending a large amount of time outside of Massachusetts these days, including trips to manufacturing operations in York, South Carolina and Lyon, France. Now leading the company’s strategic marketing efforts, Waitt captained an initiative by Elkem ASA to expand into biomedical-grade silicones. At a point where his accrued wisdom is a coveted resource, Waitt says his most rewarding professional accomplishment has been the chance to manage individuals who have gone on to be business leaders.
What did getting the 40u40 award mean to you at the time? It made me feel fortunate for the circumstances which allowed me to become a young leader. It made me feel recognized and that my accomplishments were impactful.
What does it mean to you now? Central Massachusetts is where I grew up and began my professional career, so I’m forever grateful to have this connection to where it all started. The confidence I gained from receiving the WBJ’s 40 Under Forty award has helped accelerate my growth and leadership path.
What advice do you have for this year's 40u40 winners? Focus on development of their active listening and emotional intelligence skills. I also find reading to be highly beneficial, my favorite book being “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman.
How has Central Mass. changed since you won the 40u40 award? One thing that hasn’t changed is the quality of the people: high character, hard-working, and talented.
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