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This paper aims to present and discuss factors that affect the current complexity of new product development processes in the appliance sector, exploring their influence on the repositioning of senior Research & Development (R&D) executives in terms of both knowledge and leadership management.

The paper is built on an illustrative real case which is analyzed based on the conceptual foundations of the role of senior R&D executives, vis-a-vis industry specialists’ reflections on new requirements for such managers due to the current complexity of new product development processes.

The paper proposes an integrative framework that links emerging trends in product development complexity with a new enhanced approach required for senior R&D management. In addition, this paper raises new skills to equip the current and future generations of R&D managers, taking into account the need to reposition the knowledge management skills of senior R&D executives.

This paper sheds light on the skills desirable for senior R&D executives to be prepared for the new complexity involved in new product development processes, such as soft skills related to people management practices; technical skills related to portfolio management, project management and systems engineering; and conceptual skills related to the own, teach, learn and delegate strategy.

This paper blends academic and practical experience to shed light on emerging issues within R&D organizations and to point out the value of real impact research to open new research avenues.