Germany
Experienced international automotive aftermarket professional with a history of successfully managing sales growth, margin expansion, new product line development and new customer acquisition • 30 years of experience of successfully managing automotive aftermarket businesses • Proven expertise in market research, defining product strategy and tactics, creating compelling marketing campaigns, new product development, customer acquisition and management, dynamic pricing, innovative promotion, brand enhancement strategies, logistics and quality tracking in the B to B to C environment • Deep understanding of the distribution channels: Warehouse Distributors, E-commerce, Retailers, OES, Co-manufacturers. National brands and private labels • Experience working globally (organizations / supplier base). Worked in Europe (Italy, France, Germany, UK) and 7 years in the US. Trilingual French, English, Italian, advanced Spanish and German basics • Team manager
Lead global ACE business, setting vision, strategy, and go-to-market for Osram’s and Ring automotive accessories • Drive portfolio growth and new product launches across EMEA, USA, and APAC. • Own end-to-end business execution, from product lifecycle to global market impact and operational efficiency. • Inspire and align cross-regional teams in UK, Munich, and Shanghai to deliver results at scale.
Global responsibility for Bulbs, Wiper-blades, Horns, Starters Alternators, Exhaust and Seating. Cars & Trucks • 1. Define and implement vision, strategy and roadmap - Delivered growth: doubled the turnover in the last 6 years - Significant market share acquisition in Brazil, Central-South America, Germany, Asia • 2. P&L Responsibility: - Costs : successfully lead the Category Management : multi-million € savings / Supplier base optimization/ Professionalization of management. Regular suppliers visits, mostly Asia - Managed pricing to successfully protect profitability • 3. Product owner: - Led innovative rejuvenation of FMCG categories: focus on clarification, consistency, and upgrades to grow turnover and profitability - Defined positioning and storyboard, worked with design agencies on visual identity and packaging, Drove Go-to-market activities incl. off and online sales material - Manage a large number of SKUs. 7.500 currently - Product Life cycle management : from cradle to grave 4. E-commerce growth / Focus on Data excellence: - Reworked assortment - Data quality improvement: applications & cross-lists, digital assets, USP’s, customer experience - Deep understanding of Data Management: PIM. Various industry standards (Tecdoc; Aces Pies) 5. Led initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions and generate savings: - Transfer Plastic to Carton, Container utilization optimization 6. Team management : - 5 Product Managers in China/Germany/Romania - Recruit, develop and promote multiple team members 7. Focus on availability: - Forecast model / Alignment planning, Suppliers and Management. 8. Deal with organizations: - Work with a global network of Sales companies and suppliers. - Built relationship with Faurecia organizations to grow aftermarket synergies 9. Other expertise: - Private labels : I supported business acquisition of Private Labels too - IP: i.e. patents checks/Brand management/Contracts - Quality management: Day to day/Process enhancement
Category Lamps (Conventional and LED's) • Main Objectives: Drives sales and market activation globally by translating business opportunities into Product Market Combinations for the automotive Aftermarket, defining the right locally relevant portfolios and ranges and ensuring a seamless market introduction with the regions. • Definition of the AM product strategy and product plans and the translation into a clear and healthy product portfolio, product ranges and product specifications together with the product managers, in such a way that in short, mid and long term a sound business result can be achieved.
• Product line P&L responsibilities for all Valeo North American aftermarket products: wiper blades, headlight and taillights, engine cooling radiators, starters, alternators, AC compressors and clutches • Manage entire sales cycle, working with multiple factories and vendors worldwide taking product from initial conception/interest through aftermarket retail placement. Effectively utilize presentation, communication and organizational skills • Continuous process improvement. Defines and enforces standards for product management with a specific focus on data management (e-Catalog Aces and Pies) • Develop launch schedules and execution, advertising, direct and indirect campaigns, promotions, sales tools and event marketing (managed presence at AAPEX for 6 years) • Partner with Valeo legal team: fight counterfeiting, patents, right-to-sell, contracts • Successfully manage a team of seven
• Managed a $110 M category of wiper blades while providing input on new product concepts and overall product category performance and vision • Led the growth in North America for independent aftermarket and dealers (OES). Customers included Ford, Hyundai, Walmart and Amazon • Acquired major businesses at Walmart and Volkswagen that boosted revenue by +45% in 2 years • Successful launch on Amazon.com and conducted “Deal of the day” campaigns
• Managed a €235 M category of wipers-blades while improving positioning, cost, and coverage and directing overall performance and vision. Led a network of 12 local divisions and 15 Product Managers worldwide (IAM and OES) • Multichannel and multi-brand management: Valeo, Marchal, SWF, Private labels /Good-Better-Best positioning • Business acquisition at the #1 auto stores chain in UK (Halford's), +$32M, +22% market share • Identified need for low cost sourcing to gain market share. Selected, audited and certified a new supplier in Asia that led to a 55% saving in annual costs savings • Packaging award for best design for Valeo Silencio X-TRM, Stratégies Magazine