The head of the only public company headquartered in Worcester, with 4,300 worldwide employees and $359 million in 2020 profits, Roche sits in a considerable position.
Roche uses that power to continue Hanover’s tradition of revitalizing its hometown, which includes redeveloping properties in the downtown neighborhood, supporting the Hanover Theatre, and encouraging the Pawtucket Red Sox to move to Worcester by offering corporate sponsorship.
In April, Forbes magazine named Hanover one of the best midsize employers to work for, making that list for the sixth consecutive year, and in February was one of 767 companies nationwide lauded for LGBTQ equality by the Washington, D.C. nonprofit Human Rights Campaign. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis police a year ago, Roche was one of a handful of outspoken Central Mass. business executives calling for greater efforts to fight institutional racism, and Hanover’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has included more than $400,000 in grants to community organizations.
What do you think the future holds for Central Mass.? “We’ve seen how our city, community and local business leaders can come together to strengthen and enhance our community. Whether it’s our response to the pandemic, the downtown revitalization efforts or the addition of the Worcester Red Sox, I strongly believe Worcester is positioned for great progress in years to come.”
Pickleballer: “Over the last couple of years, I have jumped on the bandwagon and become a Pickleballer – great fun!”
