John Given

Professional Background

• John is a results-oriented professional with 30+ years of experience including; automotive precision engineered safety critical component manufacturing and assembly, project management including outsourcing, operational and product cost reduction, sourcing/better buying, international supply chains and management consulting
• Held senior-level operating positions to bring about strategic improvement and turnaround. Worked with a number of notable middle market companies both public and private including unionized environments starting out with GKN, the automotive tier 1 vendor of drivelines and suspension systems spanning 18 years
• MBA from the Cranfield School of Management, UK plus a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

M&A Skills & Expertise

• Accomplished streamlining businesses pre and post M&A. Due diligence assessments
• 20+ years producing first quality, precision engineered assemblies including, metals, plastics, electronics, ceramics, woods
• Light to heavy industries involving sophisticated CNC equipment and specialty processes for cutting, shaping and joining materials
• Project leadership, team deployment, timetable oversight, risk management, deviation correction for success
• Senior management and organizational design and transformation
• Process optimization, lean development and cost reduction
• Automotive, electronic weighing and printing equipment, railroad equipment plus

Project Highlights

• Automotive: GKN Hardy Spicer and GKN Composites including the roll-out of strategic automation and lean practices plus a high technology start-up earning innovation awards
• Management Consulting 20+ years: Carl Marks Advisors of NY and JGMS of Greenville, SC. Over 43 businesses positively impacted including the turnaround of distressed and underperforming middle market companies. Over $75MM in cost reduction
• Sourcing, Outsourcing and Supply Chain achievements: Avery Weigh-Tronix, Axiohm, McKechnie Plastics, Oneida, Lenox
• M&A: Powell Duffryn PLC due diligence of PDS subsidiary targets in UK and Europe
• Generalist roles: New start-up, manufacturing management, business growth phases, strategic project management, capitol equipment buy and commission, hospitality, business wind down