We welcome you to the P&G CEO Challenge: A competition which will test your aptitude for business strategy and real-life problem-solving. If you’ve been eager to demonstrate your ingenuity and intelligence beyond your campus, this is the chance to make an impression on a global scale.
Prepare to compete with teams from around the world to see who is most fit to be the next CEO of P&G. Top students will ascend to the Global Final and win the opportunity to meet P&G CEO David Taylor. First, prepare to showcase your ability to think critically about leading a brand. Best of luck!
Challenge brought to you by:
What's in it for me?
Compete in the exciting virtual rounds against the best in your region to win an all-expenses paid trip to the Global Final in Mexico City.
Meet students from around the world and network with leaders from P&G
Official winners will be invited to Signal where you will join executives, founders, and industry disruptors at our most exciting event of the year as well as the opportunity to meet P&G CEO David Taylor!
P&G CEO Challenge 2021 - Are you ready for the Challenge?
Check out these videos for a firsthand insight into the regional final rounds.
P&G CEO Challenge 2020
Greater China 'Virtual' Regional Final
Greater China 'Virtual' Regional Final
P&G CEO Challenge 2020
European 'Virtual' Regional Final
European 'Virtual' Regional Final
How does it work?
Gather your crew with diverse backgrounds and sign up
Rock the online case study and win the national round
Take on the top performers from your region
Earn your spot in the Global Final in Mexico City
Win & meet with CEOs from the biggest companies at P&G Signal Conference 2021
In the picture: David Taylor, President and CEO of P&G (center) with the 2019 Global CEO Challenge Winners (from left to right) - David Matheus, Maria Weill, Sophia Santi, and Valeria Zamora.
Key Dates & FAQ
| Compete online to be the best team from your school | October 19, 2020 - December 14, 2020 |
| Second-round teams announced | January 13, 2021 |
| Second-round teams compete in video challenge | January 13, 2021 - February 10, 2021 |
| Videos due | February 10, 2021 |
| Finalist Teams announced | February 15, 2021 |
| North America Regional Finals at P&G HQ in Cincinnati, OH | TBD |
| Global Finals in Mexico City, Mexico | May 2021 |
| Country | Online Case Study Dates | Video Submission | Video Selection | Local Final Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | October 19, 2020 - February 1, 2021 | February 6, 2021 | February 8, 2021 | Mid February 2021 |
| Brazil | October 19, 2020 - November 15, 2020 | November 21, 2020 | November 23, 2020 | November 27, 2020 |
| Chile | October 19, 2020 - November 21, 2020 | November 26, 2020 | November 28, 2020 | December 18, 2020 |
| Colombia | October 19, 2020 - January 1, 2021 | January 15, 2021 | January 20, 2021 | January 28, 2021 |
| Costa Rica | October 19, 2020 - January 14, 2021 | January 19, 2021 | January 21, 2021 | January 28, 2021 |
| Mexico | October 19, 2020 - February 1, 2021 | February 6, 2021 | February 8, 2021 | Mid February 2021 |
| Panama | October 19, 2020 - January 14, 2021 | January 19, 2021 | January 21, 2021 | January 28, 2021 |
| Peru | October 19, 2020 - December 15, 2020 | December 20, 2020 | December 22, 2020 | January 18, 2021 |
| Venezuela | October 19, 2020 - January 8, 2021 | January 13, 2021 | January 15, 2021 | January 21, 2021 |
| LA Regional Final: Dates: March 5, 2021; Location: TBD | ||||
| Global Final: Dates: May 2021; Location: Mexico City | ||||
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Can anyone participate in the CEO Challenge?Yes, any active student studying towards a Bachelor or Master's degree or recent graduates from the prior academic year can form a team to participate. Teams must have 3 members. Active employees and interns at P&G cannot participate.
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Is the selection process for applying to the CEO Challenge the same as applying to a job at P&G?No, the CEO Challenge is designed to test your skills predominantly through real business case study but also design thinking and business simulation depending on how far you reach in the competition. Participating in CEO Challenge does not automatically apply you to a job at P&G or indeed obligate you to apply. However, we highly encourage you to explore our careers website at www.pgcareers.com to discover job opportunities that may match your interests. The simple selection steps to apply and enter P&G CEO Challenge are:
- Check you meet the eligibility criteria as described in question 1
- Gather your team or if you prefer, come on your own and we will match you to others to form a team
- Sign up and as soon as the case study goes live in your country your challenge can begin!
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In which language does CEO Challenge take place?The online case study will be presented in English. National, Regional and Global finals will be held fully in English.
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Where are the National and Regional Finals taking place?For CEO Challenge 2021 both the National rounds and the LA Regional round will take place in virtual format. We are excited to bring CEO Challenge to you in this format and are confident to bring you an outstanding experience. Dates of the Finals can be found in the timetable above.
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How and when will the Winners be contacted?Brazil: National round finalists will be chosen based on the score they achieve in the online case study and additional submission commentary. Top 10 groups will be contacted no later than Tuesday 17th November 2020 to send us a video presenting their case solution in 2-5 minutes until Saturday 21st November 2020. Top 4 groups will be invited to present their solution for the Brazil Leadership team on Friday 27th November 2020. Make a note of the National round dates now and keep your diary free – we hope to see you there!
Mexico: National round finalists will be chosen based on the score they achieve in the online case study and additional submission commentary. Top 10 groups will be contacted no later than February 3rd, 2020 to send us a 2-5 minute video that will need to be submitted by February 5th, 2020. Top 4 groups will be invited to present their solution for the Mexico Leadership team on February 17th, 2020. Save the date! -
What if we miss the deadline for the submission of the online case?If you miss the submission deadline for the online case, you and your team will automatically be eliminated, and you will not be able to continue in the competition.
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What is the prize for the National Final Winners?Brazil: Top 4 groups will receive an exclusive Kit from Oral-B and a week of CEO Trainings given by P&G Brazil. The winners will have their own personal CEO experience and will receive each a virtual assistant and the group will advance to the Regional Final.
Mexico: Top 4 groups will win a learning experience with a P&G expert and a gift to continue improving their skills. The winner team will advance to the regional final & will have their own CEO experience. -
What is the prize for the LA Final Winners?The Winning team will travel to the destination of the Global CEO Challenge final where they will compete against other regions with the aim to be crowned Global CEO Challenge 2021 Winners. During the Global final they will participate in capability trainings on different areas of P&G business, compete in a business simulation challenge and enjoy some out-of-office activities. The overall duration of the trip will be 4 days.
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What is the prize for the Global Final Winners?The Winning team will travel to P&G Headquarters in Cincinnati where they will meet P&G CEO David Taylor and participate in the globally renowned Signal conference where they will join executives, founders, and industry disruptors at our most exciting event of the year!
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Is there a participation cost?Participation in the CEO Challenge is free.
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What happens if external conditions mean travel is not possible?At P&G, part of "Doing Good Everyday" means putting the safety of you and our teams first and we will not compromise on this. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are committed to being responsive. At an appropriate time (in early 2021), should it become clear that due to the evolving external conditions it is not advised to travel or travel is prevented, the prize for the Regional and Global CEO Challenge finals will be amended and an alternative put in place. Decision on construct of alternative prizes will be at the sole discretion of P&G.
| Online Case Study Dates for All European Countries * except for those listed in the following rows |
October 19, 2020 - January 17, 2021 |
| Online Case Study Dates for Russia | November 1, 2020 - January 17, 2021 |
| Online Case Study Dates for Turkey and Azerbaijan | December 1, 2020 - January 17, 2021 |
| National Round (Virtual) | February 18-19, 2021 |
| Regional Round (Virtual) | March 25-26, 2021 |
| Global Finals in Mexico City, Mexico | May 2021 |
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Can anyone participate in the CEO Challenge?Yes, any active student studying towards a Bachelor or Master's degree or recent graduates from the prior academic year can form a team to participate. Teams must have 3 members. Active employees and interns at P&G cannot participate. Please note, due to local restrictions participants from Italy, Spain and Portugal will participate in the online stage of the competition as individuals. Following this, those successful to be invited to the next stage of the competition will be formed into teams of 3 prior to the stage starting.
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Is the selection process for applying to the CEO Challenge the same as applying to a job at P&G?No, the CEO Challenge is designed to test your skills predominantly through real business case study but also design thinking and business simulation depending on how far you reach in the competition. Participating in CEO Challenge does not automatically apply you to a job at P&G or indeed obligate you to apply. However, we highly encourage you to explore our careers website at www.pgcareers.com to discover job opportunities that may match your interests. Alternatively, you can register using this link https://www.pgcareers.com/stay-informed and opportunities matching your interests will be shared with you.
The simple selection steps to apply and enter P&G CEO Challenge are:- Check you meet the eligibility criteria as described in question 1
- Gather your team or if you prefer, come on your own and we will match you to others to form a team
- Sign up and as soon as the case study goes live in your country your challenge can begin!
-
In which language does CEO Challenge take place?The online case study will be presented in English. If you advance to the national stage of the competition some of this may take place in local language however you will be asked to prepare your presentation and present your findings in English. Regional and Global finals will be held fully in English.
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Where are the National and Regional Finals taking place?For CEO Challenge 2021 both the Europe National rounds and the Europe Regional round will take place in virtual format. We are excited to bring CEO Challenge to you in this format and are confident to bring you an outstanding experience. Dates of the Finals can be found in the timetable above.
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How and when will the Winners be contacted?National round finalists will be chosen based on the score they achieve in the online case study and additional submission commentary. Winners will be contacted no later than Monday 1st February 2021 confirming their place. Make a note of the National round dates now and keep your diary free – we hope to see you there!
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What if we miss the deadline for the submission of the online case?If you miss the submission deadline for the online case, you and your team will automatically be eliminated, and you will not be able to continue in the competition.
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How long will the National Finals take? What about the Regional Final?National Finals will last between 1-2 days and the Regional Final will last 2 days.
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What is the prize for the Europe Final Winners?The Winning team will travel to the destination of the Global CEO Challenge final where they will compete against other regions with the aim to be crowned Global CEO Challenge 2021 Winners. During the Global final they will participate in capability trainings on different areas of P&G business, compete in a business simulation challenge and enjoy some out-of-office activities. The overall duration of the trip will be 4 days.
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What is the prize for the Global Final Winners?The Winning team will travel to P&G Headquarters in Cincinnati where they will meet P&G CEO David Taylor and participate in the globally renowned Signal conference where they will join executives, founders, and industry disruptors at our most exciting event of the year!
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Is there a participation cost?Participation in the CEO Challenge is free.
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What happens if external conditions mean travel is not possible?At P&G, part of “Doing Good Everyday” means putting the safety of you and our teams first and we will not compromise on this. We understand the concern and uncertainty you may be experiencing surrounding the coronavirus (COVID-19) and are committed to being responsive. At an appropriate time (in early 2021), should it become clear that due to the evolving external conditions it is not advised to travel or travel is prevented, the prize for the Regional and Global CEO Challenge finals will be amended and an alternative put in place. Decision on construct of alternative prizes will be at the sole discretion of P&G.
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Are there any further requests?Yes, participants should have a valid passport (expiration date after November 2021).
| Country | Online Case Study Dates | Local Final Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Australia/New Zealand | September 15 - October 18, 2019 | November 20, 2019 |
| Indonesia | September 25 - November 20, 2019 | November 28-29, 2019 |
| Japan | December 1 - January 19, 2020 | February 4, 2020 - Tokyo |
| Malaysia | October 28 - November 18, 2019 | December 2, 2019 |
| Philippines | September 22 - Oct 18, 2019 | November 21, 2019 |
| Singapore | February 10 - February 14, 2020 | None |
| South Korea | October 21 - November 30, 2019 | Early January 2020 TBD |
| Thailand | October 7 - October 30, 2019 | November 15, 2019 |
| Vietnam | November 18 - December 7, 2019 | December 19, 2019 |
| APAC Regional Final: Dates: February 2020 TBD; Location: Singapore | ||
| Global Final: Dates: June 1-4, 2020; Location: Mexico City | ||
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Can anyone participate in the CEO Challenge?Yes, any active students can form a team of 3 people to participate. Individual submissions will not be considered. Active employees and interns at P&G cannot participate.
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Is the selection process for applying to the CEO Challenge the same as applying to a job at P&G?No, the CEO Challenge will test your skills based on an online case study. Based on how well you score on the online case study, you will earn a spot to compete at the local rounds. In addition to participating on the CEO Challenge, we highly encourage you to also look at our website to find job opportunities that may match your interest.
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Do I need to know English to participate in the competition?Yes, the online case study will be presented in English, and if you advance to the Local Final, your solution must be presented in English as well.
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Are there any further requests?Yes, participants should have a valid passport (expiration date after August 2020).
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Where is the APAC Regional Final taking place?It will take place in Singapore.
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How and when will the winners be contacted?Local finalists will be chosen based on the score they achieve in the online stage. Teams will be contacted at least 10 days before the local round (see key dates tab for more information).
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Is there a participation cost?Participation in the CEO Challenge is free. Additionally, financial aspects such as visa support, flight tickets, meals, transportation, and accommodations will be covered by P&G. International passports and visas are required as per local laws to participate in both the APAC finals and the global rounds. Travel and accommodation costs include a 2-way ticket between the home city and host city and accommodation for the duration of the stay in the host city. Accommodation will be provided at the location of P&G’s choosing. Teams (or team members) that wish to stay elsewhere will need to do so at their own expense. To get more detailed information, please refer to the Terms & Conditions document.
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What if we miss the deadline of the submission date for the online case?If you miss the submission date deadline for the online case, you will automatically be eliminated and you will not be able to continue in the competition.
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How long will the Local Final take? What about the Regional Finals?Local Final will last 1-2 days, between 6-8 hours on each of the days. Regional Finals will last 3 days.
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What are the event dates of each stage?You can check the dates of each stage in the Key Dates table above.
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What is the prize for the APAC Final Winners?Winners will travel to the final rounds representing APAC in the Global CEO Challenge Final. There, they will participate in capability trainings on different areas of P&G business as well as enjoy some out-of-office activities. The overall duration of the trip will be up to 1 week.
| Team Registration Open | October 21, 2020 - November 20, 2020 |
| Online Case Study Open | November 20, 2020 - December 20, 2020 |
| Second-round teams announced | January 15, 2021 |
| Second-round teams compete in video challenge | January 15, 2021 - February 10, 2021 |
| Videos due | February 10, 2021 |
| Finalist Teams announced | February 15, 2021 |
| IMEA Regional Round | Late February |
| Global Finals in Mexico City, Mexico | May 2021 |