Which quality expert believed that senior management must take charge of quality?

The belief that senior management must take charge of quality is most closely associated with Philip Crosby. He emphasized that for quality improvement to be effective, it must be driven from the top levels of an organization. Crosby's philosophy revolved around the idea that quality should be a priority for senior management because they set the vision and culture of the organization. He introduced the concept of "Quality Management Maturity Grid," which underscores the importance of leadership in achieving quality goals.

Crosby also popularized the idea of "quality is free," suggesting that improving quality reduces costs in the long run. His focus on management's role in establishing a quality-focused environment and the need for clear policies and definitions regarding quality directly supports the assertion that senior management's involvement is crucial. This perspective aligns with Crosby’s overall view that making quality a fundamental component of business strategy starts with the leaders of the enterprise.