William White: A Leader in Competitive Intelligence and Technology

William White is vice president of advanced technology at the United States Gypsum Company (USG), serving as a leader in competitive intelligence and global technologies. The USG Corporation is a manufacturer of construction materials, one of Home Depot’s primary suppliers of gypsum wallboard and ceiling tile, and a member of the largest gypsum producer in the world. In his present role, White is responsible for advancing the business through technology, preparing market profiles by analyzing housing and retail industry trends, and evaluating distribution activities.

White’s Educational Beginnings

White began his professional career with an educational backing, initially earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Maryland in 1972. His peers and counselors recognized him as a technical person and encouraged him to continue with a doctorate, but White had other plans. He later decided that he would obtain a business degree since he needed to be able to sell his projects to management. This assertion led White to earn a master’s degree in management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 1992.

A Long and Dedicated Career

For 52 years, White has worked with the USG Corporation, initially joining in 1972 when he completed a degree in chemical engineering. He worked his way through the company, holding several roles over the years. White began his career as a quality project engineer, rising through various engineering and managerial positions until becoming the vice president of advanced technology in 2009, where he still serves.

Professional Achievements

White was the plant manager in 1983 at the first plant to produce the revolutionary cement board known as Durock. Though only 31 years old at the time, he set up the plant that recently celebrated 40 years of the product’s launch. White recognizes this as one of his most notable achievements and an aspect of his success. He was a director at the USG Corporate Innovation Center when Fiberock was developed. He also played a pivotal role in developing Breakthrough Opportunities Technology (BOT), a project aimed at reducing business costs by upwards of 10%. One of the BOT projects was to reduce the board weight that, in 2010, resulted in the release of USG Sheetrock Brand Ultralight. He attributes his successes to challenges at USG Corporation because they became opportunities to showcase his problem-solving skills to find innovative solutions. He is currently working toward implementing technologies that will help the company reach its 2030 sustainability goals.

Civic Contributions and Mentorship Roles

Beyond White’s professional career, he serves on the advisory board at The UIC (University of Illinois at Chicago) College of Engineering and volunteers to feed the local community. White is also a mentor, enjoying the chance to share his work experience with new employees, instilling in them the belief that they can overcome any challenge, just as he did.

Plans for the Future

White plans to continue working with the USG Corporation until retirement in February of 2026, helping the company push toward a sustainable future. He has built a strong, global connection network and enjoys working with them, motivating him to keep working. He has chosen to take things one year at a time and is grateful that the USG Corporation empowers individuals to continue working based on their capabilities and willingness.