BY VEENA RAO
Atlanta, GA, October 14, 2026: When Atlanta-based business leader Ravi Saligram arrived in the United States from Bangalore in January 1977, he was a 20-year-old engineering graduate with just $9 in his pocket. Nearly five decades later, he has received the 2026 CEO Pinnacle Award, the highest honor presented by the Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC).
Saligram, a three-time public company CEO and chairman of Church & Dwight, received the award at AABDC’s 25th Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Awards gala, held September 16 on Wall Street in New York. The celebration coincided with America’s 250th anniversary of independence.
The Pinnacle Award is the organization’s highest honor, recognizing individuals who have reached the pinnacle of their careers and demonstrated exceptional leadership in their fields. Recipients are selected by an awards committee comprising senior executives from Fortune 500 companies and business leaders across industries. The annual gala brings together more than 1,000 business, political, and civic leaders from across the country.
AABDC founder and president John Wang praised Saligram’s leadership, saying, “Through Ravi Saligram, our Pinnacle Awardee, we honour an extraordinary three-time CEO whose transformative leadership has redefined global brands and set the gold standard for corporate excellence.”
In his acceptance speech, Saligram reflected on his journey from an engineering graduate in India to the top ranks of American business, while making a broader appeal for unity, inclusion and the preservation of the American dream.
“I came to the U.S. in January 1977 as a 20-year-old, having finished my degree in engineering in Bangalore, India. I had $9 in my pocket, and it was the first time I had been on a plane,” he recalled.
“Of course, I promptly spent $4 of those $9 on a movie.”
His American journey began at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Over a career spanning several decades, Saligram served as CEO of three publicly traded companies: Newell Brands, Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers, and OfficeMax. His leadership has been associated with corporate turnarounds, operational improvements and shareholder value creation. He retired as CEO of Newell Brands in 2023 and currently serves as chairman of Church & Dwight.
According to AABDC, Saligram was also recently recognized by The Wall Street Journal among 250 leading corporate board directors.
“Where else but in America could a boy, an engineer from Bangalore, become a three-time public company CEO?” he asked.
“America is a true meritocracy. If Ravi Saligram could do it, anyone can.”
Saligram currently serves as chairman of Church & Dwight, the consumer products company behind household brands such as Arm & Hammer, OxiClean and TheraBreath. In his speech, he highlighted the company’s growth during his two decades on its board, citing an increase in revenues from approximately $1 billion to $6 billion and market capitalization from $2 billion to $24 billion.
He attributed that growth to strong leadership, disciplined execution, teamwork and an egalitarian corporate culture.
But beyond his business accomplishments, Saligram used the occasion to reflect on the challenges facing America, particularly growing polarization and prejudice.
“I firmly believe that the idea of America is still strong and vibrant,” he said. “We’re going through a difficult period, no doubt, with polarization and extreme views on both sides of the political spectrum. But this too shall pass.”
Calling himself an eternal optimist, he said the goodness and generosity of ordinary Americans continued to inspire him.
He also addressed the discrimination that Asian Americans and other immigrants sometimes experience.
“At some point, many of you would have experienced a slur or a cruel remark from a xenophobe,” he told the audience.
Rather than responding with anger, he urged Asian Americans to work toward changing attitudes, breaking down stereotypes and countering unconscious bias.
“We need to demonstrate that you can be a patriotic American without giving up your cultural heritage,” he said. “Each of us possesses the unique ability to love America without giving up our roots or identity. They are not mutually exclusive.”
He described America’s immigrant population as one of the country’s greatest strengths and urged Americans to protect the opportunities that have enabled generations of newcomers to succeed.
Turning to the responsibilities of successful Asian Americans, Saligram delivered one of the central messages of his speech.
“With success comes responsibility,” he said.
“As successful Asian Americans, it is natural to want to give back to our country of origin. But it’s equally important to give back to America, now our home.”
He noted that the American dream remains beyond the reach of many people born in the United States, pointing to widening income disparities and economic uncertainty.
“Economic duress is often the source of animosity and prejudice,” he said, urging business leaders to help create opportunities for those left behind.
Drawing on his corporate experience, Saligram also spoke about the importance of building organizations grounded in trust, transparency, compassion and inclusion.
“Ultimately, your employees are the solution, not the problem,” he said.
He emphasized that leadership is not simply about rewarding top performers but about helping entire teams improve and creating a shared sense of purpose.
The 2026 awards gala marked a significant milestone for AABDC, founded by John Wang. Over its 25-year history, the Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business program has recognized more than 1,200 entrepreneurs, executives and professionals whose contributions have helped shape American industry and commerce.
AABDC was also designated a supporting partner of America250, the national nonpartisan initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Asian American Foundation was recognized with the 2026 Visionary Impact Award. Previous CEO Pinnacle Award recipients include FedEx CEO Raj Subramaniam, AMD Chair and CEO Lisa Su, Vertex Pharmaceuticals CEO Reshma Kewalramani and former PepsiCo CEO Laxman Narasimhan.
Saligram closed his speech by reaffirming his pride in both his Indian heritage and his American identity.
“I remain proud of my Indian heritage while loving America dearly and deeply,” he said. “Let us give back and uplift those who have been left behind. Let us unify, not divide.”
His final appeal was for a country where opportunity is not limited to those who have already succeeded.
“Let us commit to reimagining America and rebuilding America to make the American dream available to all, not a select few. Onwards and upwards!”
Cover photo background image credit: https://www.aabdc.com/
