Germany
Most manufacturing organizations are more fragile than they look. When a “star” manager leaves, performance drops - I build systems that stabilize operations and protect results. CEO / COO with 15+ years leading large-scale manufacturing operations (up to 3,800 employees, €100M+ P&L) across Europe, China, and Africa - including greenfield launches and operational turnarounds in complex, high-volume environments and emerging markets. I improve profitability through operational discipline, cost optimization, and scalable processes - not short-term fixes. I build leadership teams that sustain performance across sites and cultures. Because strong organizations don’t depend on heroes - they deliver results by design.
• Appointed by global headquarters to lead and transform a key strategic manufacturing site in Gaborone. • Full responsibility for operations and P&L of a large-scale automotive plant (≈3,000 employees), supplying complex wiring systems to global OEMs. • Stabilized plant performance, improving delivery reliability (OTD) and reducing customer-related issues in a demanding operating environment. • Delivered measurable operational improvements, including ~20% productivity increase and ~40% reduction in scrap levels. • Led day-to-day plant operations with full accountability across all functions, including workforce management and direct involvement in union negotiations.
Served as CEO of Suzhou Bordnetze Electrical Systems Limited, a joint venture formed by Sumitomo Electric Bordnetze SE and Shanghai Jinting Automobile Harness Limited. Led technical operations as COO and subsequently served as CEO of a joint-venture manufacturing plant, managing approximately 3800 employees. As an executive manager, responsible for the comprehensive oversight of operational effectiveness, strategic direction, financial performance, and regulatory compliance. Spearheaded the establishment of a new facility in Changsha, Hunan Province, overseeing land acquisition, construction management, equipment procurement, and talent acquisition. The plants managed achieved recognition as the best in the group and served as the primary supplier of wiring harnesses to VW in China.
In the role of COO, responsible for the establishment of a new manufacturing facility, starting with a temporary production hall. Led recruitment and training efforts, while supervising the construction of the new factory. Key responsibilities included defining operational processes, designing the facility layout, and overseeing the installation and commissioning of equipment. Additionally accountable for overall operational efficiency, financial performance, and regulatory compliance. During the Arab Spring in January 2011, successfully implemented crisis management strategies to ensure employee safety and maintain business continuity. Demonstrated strong leadership and adaptability in navigating the challenges of facility development and crisis situations.