John Houghtby is executive vice president and general manager, Institutional Division for Ecolab Inc., the global leader in water, hygiene and infection prevention solutions and services that protect people, planet and business health. 

He leads the company’s Global Quick Service Restaurant (QSR), Food Retail Services (FRS), Small Business Solutions (SBS), C-Store and Food Safety Solutions (FSS) businesses, delivering cleaning, sanitation and food safety programs and services to customers throughout the world.

Previously, Houghtby was general manager, Ecolab Pest Elimination in the UK and Ireland. During his 29 years with the company, he has held several leadership positions, including marketing manager, regional manager and vice president of Pest Elimination for the eastern U.S. and Canada.  

Houghtby serves on the board of directors for the United Way of Greensboro, North Carolina. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Minnesota.