After 33 years as an executive for London-based consumer products giant Unilever, Mr. England retired as president and CEO of Elizabeth Arden in 2000 after Unilever sold it. In spring 2001, the Chicago Children’s Museum was searching for a new leader, and a former employee of Mr. England’s passed his name to a museum board member. When he was offered the position of Director, Mr. England was curious to see whether the skills he had spent a career developing, had any value in the non-profit world. He also saw it as an opportunity to give something back.

Mr. England began his career in brand management and marketing. Through his efforts and leadership, three companies within Unilever were transformed from unprofitable businesses to stabilized or dramatically improved enterprises.

Mr. England, who had overseen a workforce of 5,000 and was responsible for businesses with annual revenues of several hundred million dollars, decided to take a job leading a non-profit institution with about 100 staffers and a $6 million operating budget. Mr. England insists there is little difference between leading a commercial enterprise and a non-profit institution because they are both about delighting customers.

He says one of his goals at the Children’s Museum is to regularly see kids dragged out of the museum kicking and screaming when it’s time to go home. He is currently proceeding with plans to expand the museum while developing an endowment fund.