Rafael Ortiz
Rafael Ortiz is a dynamic and results-oriented R&D leader with extensive experience in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry. He has a proven track record of driving commercialization processes, achieving significant cost reductions, and increasing revenue through innovative product development and strategic growth initiatives.
Currently, Rafael serves as the Chief Technology Officer at CLR Brands Company, where he has successfully led the launch of sustainable household and industrial cleaning products, including the CLR PRO MAX Industrial Descaler & Degreaser, contributing to increased market share and revenue.
Previously, Rafael was an innovation leader at Procter & Gamble, where he played a key role in the development and launch of high-profile products such as Downy Unstoppables and Tide Pods, among others. His passion for innovation and deep industry knowledge positions him as a transformative
force in the CPG sector.
Rafael is a distinguished professional specializing in the management of new product and technology development, packaging, manufacturing, consumer understanding, intellectual property management, and data-driven decision-making. His expertise empowers him to create effective growth strategies that deliver measurable results.
Rafael earned his Doctorate in Organic Chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles, followed by Post-Doctoral research at the California Institute of Technology. This strong academic foundation, combined with his practical experience, equips him to drive innovation and success across
diverse projects.
Outside of work, Rafael is an avid reader and enjoys swimming, which allows him to merge his love for sports with his academic pursuits. He has a keen interest in applying Artificial Intelligence to R&D and product development, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning and innovation. With a
solid track record of success, Rafael is dedicated to shaping the future of Research & Development through creative approaches and collaboration.
Tuesday June 24
Joint Cleaning Products & Floor Care Products Division Program
Innovation with Care: Data, AI, and the Future of Safer Cleaning and Floor Care Products
Innovation thrives on good data and thoughtful execution. This session will explore how organizations can embrace cutting-edge tools – like generative AI – while also staying grounded in safety, ethics, and real-world impact. The session will begin with insights from a veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, where pet exposure data reveals unexpected risks tied to household products and guides safer product development. Then, we will zoom out to examine how generative AI can amplify this kind of data-driven innovation – accelerating insight generation, reducing time to market, and identifying risk before it reaches consumers. Drawing on case studies, including pet safety data used in cleaning product formulation, this session will explore how gen AI adoption is less about technology and more about the thoughtful use of knowledge – both human and machine – to drive safer, smarter outcomes.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand how toxicology data helps shape safer consumer products.
- Learn practical ways to adopt gen AI to improve collaboration, speed, and insight.
- See how AI can augment—not replace—human expertise in risk management.
- Explore what responsible innovation looks like at the intersection of data, safety, and technology.
Moderator:
- Rafael Ortiz, Chief Technology Offier, CLR Brands Company
Speakers:
- Ahna Brutlag, Vice President of Veterinary Services and Partner, SafetyCall International & Poison Helpline
- Alan Johnson, Managing Director, Chemical & Workplace Safety, 3E
- Jacob Smith, Innovation Advisor and Digital Lead, RTI International