Global Operations & Plant Leader | Engineering, Product Development & Lean Transformation | Automotive, Industrial & Foundry Manufacturing Executive

Overview

Global operations and engineering leader with deep experience transforming manufacturing businesses across North America and Europe. Career highlights include leading multi-billion-dollar foundry and automotive operations, launching new manufacturing facilities and products, and delivering sustained improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and financial performance. Brings a hands-on, data-driven approach to Lean, quality systems, and leadership development in complex industrial environments.

Short Bio

Operations, engineering, and plant executive with 25+ years of international experience driving performance improvement in automotive and industrial manufacturing. Recognized for leading turnarounds, launching new products and plants, and building strong technical and operational organizations.

What I Bring

Executive-level leadership across global manufacturing, engineering, and product development organizations
Proven ability to transform safety, quality, delivery, and financial performance in complex operations
Deep expertise in Lean manufacturing, TQM, and continuous improvement systems
Strong P&L ownership with consistent multi-million-dollar value creation
Experience launching new products, technologies, and greenfield manufacturing facilities
International leadership across U.S. and European operations and cultures
Ability to align engineering, operations, and commercial teams around growth and profitability

Key Technologies & Product Expertise

Automotive and commercial vehicle components
Iron foundry and ductile iron casting operations
Lean manufacturing systems and Kaizen implementation
Total Quality Management (TQM)
New product development and launch
CAPEX planning and execution
Global supply chain development
Joint venture creation and management
Labor relations and union negotiations
Operational scorecards and benchmarking systems

Titles Held

Project Manager / Consultant, Engineering & Manufacturing, Independent, 2017-Present
General Operations Manager, Brillion Iron Works (Accuride Corporation), 2012-2016
Chief Technical Officer (CTO), Accuride Corporation, 2011-2012
President (Acting COO), Horton Holding Inc., 2007-2010
Chief Executive Officer (Acting CMO), ThyssenKrupp Waupaca, 2004-2007
Vice President Business Development, ZF Friedrichshafen AG, 2004
Chief Executive & Operations Manager, ZF Batavia LLC (JV with Ford), 1999-2003
Vice President Operations & General Manager, ZF Industries, 1993-1999
Senior Vice President / Chief Engineer (CTO) – Product Development, Volvo Construction Equipment, 1989-1992
Director / Vice President Engineering & Product Development Roles, CDI Transportation, Rockwell International, Sheller-Globe, Chrysler Corporation, Prior to 1989

Career Highlights

Led turnaround of $150M iron foundry improving safety, quality, delivery by 30–50% and generating $10–14M annual value improvement
Oversaw global manufacturing operations up to $1.3B in revenue with 3,500 employees across five locations
Delivered multi-year Lean transformations achieving world-class quality levels and major productivity gains
Launched $250M greenfield CVT transmission facility and global supply base supporting Ford programs
Improved operational profitability and company valuation through restructuring, pricing discipline, and cost reduction
Supported $1B private equity acquisition as technical and industry expert

Education & Professional Certifications

MBA, Michigan State University (Beta Gamma Sigma)

MS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan (Tau Beta Pi)

BS, Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan (Summa Cum Laude)

Chrysler Institute of Engineering, Automotive Engineering Certificate

Attended Dartmouth College (2 years)

Languages

English- Native

German- Moderate

Impact

Drove $100M+ in cumulative value creation through global operational turnarounds, Lean transformations, cost restructuring, pricing discipline, and CAPEX optimization across automotive, industrial, and foundry businesses.
Transformed underperforming plants and multi-site operations into world-class performers, achieving step-change improvements in safety (up to 50%), quality (to single-digit PPM), delivery, productivity, and profitability.
Built and led high-performing global engineering and operations organizations (up to 3,500 employees), aligning technology, manufacturing, and commercial strategy to accelerate growth and increase enterprise value.
Launched and scaled complex manufacturing operations and technologies, including a $250M greenfield transmission facility and global supply base, enabling new product platforms and long-term OEM partnerships.
Enabled sustained market share growth and valuation increases by restoring customer confidence, strengthening product reliability, and delivering disciplined execution in highly competitive, cyclical industries.