MATTHEW LEEKA

6488 Castle Avenue 616.335.3231

Holland, Michigan 49423 ml1068750@westpost.net
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Results oriented marketing, sales and new product development professional with
MBA and progressive experience in analyzing markets, setting strategy and develo
ping new products. Comprehensive knowledge of business, marketing and product in
novation strategies required to grow profitable market share in extremely compet
itive, cost conscious environments. An aggressive, solutions-focused, problem so
lver and decision maker. Excels at achieving cohesion among disparate groups to
work collectively toward a common goal.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE
> Voice-of-the-Customer Innovation
> Marketing & Product Positioning> New Product Development
> Brand Management> Consumer Research> Product Management> Agency Management> Co
nsensus-Building> Web Site Strategy & Management> Sales Account Management> Cont
ract Negotiations> Anti-Dumping Law & Procedures> Product Rollouts & Market Deve
lopment> Strategic Vision & Planning
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Marketing / Product Management - Major Home Appliances
* Developed and executed multi-year product plans for the world's largest Househ
old Appliance manufacturer which improved net profit by 6% in 2006 and 6% in 200
7. This was accomplished through new product innovation, pricing strategy, mix e
nhancement and aggressive cost reduction programs.
* Implemented a three year product plan eliminating 112 refrigerator models. Thi
s improved model line profitability and reduced plant complexity, resulting in a
$32 million year over year net income improvement.
* Managed model year transitions, brand positioning and day-to-day specification
requirements for a product line volume of 1.5 million/year across six brands.
* Transitioned Maytag brand refrigerators, sourced from a Korean manufacturer, t
o in-house production in the U.S. and Mexico. This was accomplished on time, wit
hin budget and with minimal tooling. This was the first time a Mexico production
transition was implemented on- time.
* Developed and negotiated the first global supply agreement for refrigerator de
frost controls sold to Whirlpool. This included 100% share for the U.S., Europe
and Latin America. Managed electronic control development and delivered an avera
ge 16% annual growth rate.
* Prepared an anti-dumping petition filed with the Department of Commerce, provi
ng that a Japanese competitor was selling refrigerator defrost controls at less
than fair market value. A dumping margin of 70% was awarded. The petition was fo
r 65%.
* Selected as part of the United Technologies "High Potential" program and recei
ved the annual award for outstanding achievement in sales and marketing for intr
oducing 6 new innovative products (electronic controls) in one year.
MATTHEW LEEKA
Page Two
Marketing / Product Management - Automotive
* Established AutoVision, a new rear seat entertainment system and sold 24 progr
ams to automakers in North America and Europe. Achieved sales over $250 million
and the number 2 market share position within 4 years.
* Created and chaired a global cross-functional strategy and development team wh
ich included product management and product development teams in the U.S., Franc
e and Germany.
* Created the positioning strategy of "Family Grade" entertainment systems and d
eveloped co-marketing campaigns with automakers for production start-up communic
ations.
Innovation / New Product Development
* Developed a new VOC (voice of the customer) innovation process at last two emp
loyers. These processes were based on VOC leadership experience at Whirlpool. In
corporated the VOC process into the product development stage gate process and t
hree year product plans resulting in significant improvement in new product inno
vation.
* Developed and managed the Innovation Pipeline at the last three employers and
prioritized investments based on brand fit, profitability and satisfying custome
r needs.
* Developed 3 "industry firsts" for rear seat entertainment systems. These inclu
ded overhead rail systems, seat back display systems and a self contained floor
console system. Named as innovator on 2 patents for product inventions.
* Conducted a minimum of one significant consumer research project every year fo
r the last ten years. Results were used to help develop 24 new products and conf
irm product positioning strategies.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
TENNANT COMPANY, Holland, Michigan 2008 - 2009
Senior Product Manager
New product development and product launch management for commercial floor clean
ing machines. Created and managed the Voice-of-the-Customer (VOC) process and In
novation Pipeline. Marketing lead for cross functional new product development t
eam.
NORTHLAND-MARVEL (Division of Aga Rangemaster), Greenville, Michigan 2008
Senior Product Manager
New product development and product management for high-end built-in appliances.
Created and managed the Voice-of-the Consumer process and Innovation Pipeline.
Developed the three year product plan and directed all investments in new produc
ts and new technology. Created the two brand strategy and product positioning st
rategy.
MATTHEW LEEKA
Page Three
WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION, Benton Harbor, Michigan 2004 - 2007
Senior Product Development Manager, Refrigeration Product Business Team
Senior Product Manager, Whirlpool Brand Marketing
Developed new models and managed model line transitions for the 1.5 million unit
s per year top freezer product line. Managed the North American Innovation Pipel
ine for all refrigeration platforms and prioritized investments based on brand f
it, profitability and satisfying consumer needs. Improved net profits by $32 Mil
lion in 2005-06 and another $30 Million in 2007. Marketing Lead for refrigeratio
n VOC projects.

JOHNSON CONTROLS INC. AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, Holland, Michigan 1998

- 2004
Brand Manager, AutoVision Rear Seat Entertainment
Advanced Sales-Electronics
Developed new products for and marketed AutoVision, the innovation leader in aut
omotive rear seat entertainment. Developed the brand strategy for automaker and
consumer communications. Chaired the AutoVision Global Strategy Team and impleme
nted the positioning strategy of "Family Grade" entertainment systems.
SIEBE APPLIANCE CONTROLS (INVENSYS), Holland, Michigan

Strategic Account Manager

Marketing and Sales Manager, Paragon Electric Division
Strategic sales account management for Whirlpool Corporation, the largest corpor
ate account. Negotiated global and domestic sales agreements for all control pro
duct lines. Marketing and sales management for appliance industry electronic con
trols. Extensive experience and success leading cross-functional teams to develo
p new products to meet the needs of appliance customers.
UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, Huntington, Indiana

Product Manager
Sales and Marketing Planner
Inside Sales Administrator
For the Carrier Division, product management for electronic appliance controls.
Sales and marketing planning and internal support for sales team. Received annua
l award for outstanding achievement in sales and marketing and was selected for
the United Technologies "High Potential" program.

EDUCATION
MBA Business Management: Marketing University of Saint Francis

BA Business Management University of Saint Francis