Life at GE Plastics

Laura Wayne Sherry Antonella Kazunao Kay

Wayne Hewett
Pittsfield, MA
General Manager of Global Six Sigma Quality

Maybe the picture on Wayne Hewett's wall has something to do with it.

It's just beyond a group of framed photographs of his kids. It's a simple beach scene: blue sea, green mountains and coconut trees. Not of his native Jamaica, but close enough to put a smile on his face during the Massachusetts winter. And it might be partly responsible for encouraging him to give something back to his island home.

"We're going to create scholarships for kids in Jamaica to finish high school," says Wayne, referring to the fact that many teenagers in Jamaica can't afford the cost of secondary education. "My wife and I have been talking about this for almost a year now. And if we don't do it this year, we'll definitely do it next. We just want to help out Jamaica and these kids in need."

This same kind of spirit is evident in another of Wayne's interests, the GE Plastics African American Forum, an internal employee association formed to provide support and networking opportunities. "It's very important to have positive role models, and for the most part," he says with a smile, "people view me as a positive role model." He believes sharing his experiences - and his mistakes - with other employees is very important.

Even though the internal programs at the AAF require dedication, Wayne Hewett, General Manager/Role Model, still finds time to get out into the community. Mentoring is a big part. "The impact is on the kids. They're the people actually benefiting," he says. "Kids get a charge out of seeing someone like them who's a success. What really gets to you, is 5 years later, when they're still touched by you. Still remember what you said or did."

His own three children are Wayne's number one goal. "I think it's the typical thing: I just want my kids to have it better than I did." Which might make for some very successful children. As General Manager for Global Quality, he's responsible for developing the strategy for the entire Six Sigma organization, GEP-wide. His experience, discipline and knowledge keep Six Sigma on the right track.

Having started at GE in 1986, Wayne moved through quite a few divisions - GE Aircraft, GE Corporate, and GE Power Systems - before his current position. "I've always believed that GE and GEP are places for people who think big and deliver big," he says about his own path to success. "Here, you can set your sights as high as possible. Knock it out of the park, if you want to."

Wayne credits his own parents with instilling in him the ambition that got him where he is today. "'Dare to dream' they said. They gave me the competitive spirit. Keep fighting, keep fighting, keep fighting," he continues. "But treat people well no matter where they're from."