Jim Kasamis

Senior Project Manager at Mercedes-Benz USA

Atlanta Metropolitan Area

About

Progressive, seasoned, versatile leader with extensive experience in all facets of finished vehicle logistics and wholesale automotive operations. Proven track record of developing and implementing broad based strategies and process improvements that streamlined operations and increased sales, customer satisfaction and bottom line results. Specialties: Ability to analyze business drivers and develop actionable solutions to achieve goals, process improvement, strategic planning, business development, project management, supply chain management, automotive luxury segment, customer retention and CRM, extensive analytical and problem solving skills, team building, hiring/ developing/ retaining outstanding employees

Experience

  • Retirement at Career Break
    Jun 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 1 mo

  • Management Consultant at Pinnacle Group, Inc.
    Jan 2022 - May 2023 · 1 yr 5 mos

    • Continuation of Senior Program Manager role at Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC post-retirement

  • Mercedes-Benz USA (31 yrs 4 mos)
    • Senior Program Manager - Vehicle Distribution & Logistics
      Jun 2021 - Dec 2021 · 7 mos

      • Overall management of a cross-functional project to modernize the processes and technology supporting the finished vehicle supply chain (order through dealer delivery) for Mercedes-Benz in the United States. • Partner with core business units, regional and global technology organizations, and key suppliers across multiple projects to deliver capabilities to support business critical functions and position technology as an enabler of change to meet the dynamic demands of the automotive market. • Strategize with executive leadership on ways to transform business practices to ensure simplicity, quality, efficiency and world-class service not only across internal business units but most importantly, the end customer. • Work closely with a global implementation team to translate business requirements into solution designs and functional modules delivered on a SAP technology stack • Manage $32 million dollar project budget in a productive and cost-efficient manner.

    • Senior Manager, Finished Vehicle Logistics
      Dec 2019 - Jun 2021 · 1 yr 7 mos

      Responsibilities: - Yard management and FV logistics at the Mercedes-Benz US International plant in Vance AL - Port and export operations for > $5 billion of finished vehicle exports from the U.S. - Management of $200 million of logistics costs including day-to-day management of 3PLs and ocean, rail & truck carriers

    • Senior Manager, National Import & Domestic Logistics
      Aug 2012 - Dec 2019 · 7 yrs 5 mos

      Responsibilities: - Import and logistics of Mercedes-Benz, smart and Sprinter vehicles imported to, or produced in, the U.S. - Develop efficient, cost effective logistics network to support Mercedes-Benz and Sprinter import, export and wholesale objectives in the U.S. - Management of $350 million of logistics costs and day-to-day management of 28 ocean, rail and truck carriers - Member of Auto Industry Logistics Steering Committee

  • Financial Consultant at ShearsonLehman Bros
    Mar 1987 - Sep 1990 · 3 yrs 7 mos

    Retail investment executive responsible for: - business development - interacting and advising clients - researching/identifying appropriate investment oportunities - managing portfolio of customer assets specialized in retirement planning

  • Senior Accountant at Price Waterhouse
    Aug 1982 - Mar 1987 · 4 yrs 8 mos

    Audit division, Hackensack, NJ and NYC- Public Accountant - perform audit and process reviews of public corps. - supervise teams on client assignments - major clients: Exxon, JP Morgan, Corning Glass, Ingerssol Rand, Western Union