Expatriate VP Operations

• operations, continuous improvement, general management

• Dutch,
• English,
• French,
• Thai

• PhD in Knowledge and Innovation Management, Bangkok University, Thailand (expected 2014)
• Certified action learning coach by WIAL (expected 03/13)
• Executive MBA, Boston University, USA, cum laude (Beta Gamma Sigma), 2007
• Degree in Organizational Administration and Management, with great distinction, Institute of Administration and Management, University of Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium, 1991 (course language: French)
• Master of Science in Advanced Manufacturing Technology, UMIST, Manchester, UK, 1990 (course language: English) Winner of the 1990 prize in Advanced Manufacturing Technology
• Master of Engineering Sciences (mechanics), with great distinction, University of Ghent, Belgium, 1990 (course language: Dutch)

ASIO Consulting – Bangkok – Thailand
Independent consulting company in the field of operations management and organizational development, providing customized solutions helping manufacturing teams in South-East Asia on their journey towards excellence.

• Owner since 07/2012

ESSILOR ASIA OPERATIONS – Bangkok – Thailand
Responsible for Essilor’s operations in Asia, representing more than 50% of the group’s activities, and a total annual budget of over US$ 200 million
Executive Vice President of Asia Operations 2007-2012

• Managed the activities and optimization of 6 manufacturing plants (Thailand x 2, Philippines x 2, India, China) with a total manpower of 8,000 employees (growth of 40% in 5 years)
• Managed new product introductions and new process setups as well as yearly performance improvements to contribute to the group’s profitability

ESSILOR NORTH AMERICA OPERATIONS – Dudley MA – USA
Responsible for defining zone manufacturing strategy and aligning operational focus in North-America zone
Director of Operational Strategy 2003-2007

• Led zone-wide initiative of implementing strategic goals, implementing best practices, benchmarking with other plants
• Set up the lean sigma initiative with focus on cost savings
• Responsible for manufacturing activities in Mexico and Puerto Rico

ESSILOR MANUFACTURING (THAILAND) Co. Ltd. – Bangkok – Thailand
Largest manufacturing unit amongst the 17 of the Essilor Group, worldwide leader in the production and sales of plastic corrective lenses
Plant manager 1998-2003

• led the US$15 million expansion of the treatment division, making it the biggest in the group
• managed rapid expansion from a turnover of US$23 million in 1998, to US$40 million in 2001, while increasing manpower from 1,000 to 1,350 employees

Manufacturing manager 1997-1998

• reduced reject rates from 18% to 6%, leading the unit into the group top 3 for industrial performance
• obtained ISO9002 certification in 11 months, after the company had been trying for 4 years

DEXTRA Co. Ltd. – Bangkok – Thailand
French manufacturer of sterilized, disposable plastic medical devices, for export to Europe and Asia, employing 180 people
Manufacturing manager 1993-1996

• responsible for all stages from new product design to expanding sales in Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia
• obtained ISO9001 and EN46001 certification in 12 months, and CE certification for 2 product groups

RAJAMANGALA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – Bangkok – Thailand
One of the largest bachelor degree education institutes in Thailand, with campuses all over the country
Research Associate at the department of Mechanical Engineering 1991-1993