THOMAS E.

DESPRES
tedespres@yahoo.com

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/thomas-tom-despres/4/501/4a5
Parker, CO 80134 Tel: 720-920-9291 Cell: 720-883-2972

PROFILE
Results-oriented operations, manufacturing and supply chain executive with over 20 years of international experience improving performance, propelling growth, and decreasing costs for a diverse range of technology product and services organizations. Strong track record increasing profitability and market share through exemplary strategic planning and hands-on management. Broad-based expertise includes strategic planning, manufacturing, assembly, production scheduling and control, inventory and materials management, distribution, lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, human resources, and capital improvement. Dedicated to building and motivating cross-functional teams that consistently exceed expectations. Significant leadership consulting, training and coaching experience.

EXPERIENCE COLORADO CLEAN ENERGY CLUSTER, Fort Collins, CO

2011-Present Project-oriented Clean Energy organization in Colorado Director, Supply Chain Development (contractor) Responsible for Supply Chain development in Colorado for Clean Energy Companies Partnering with state offices, professional organizations, universities and private enterprises Actively supporting CAMTs development and marketing of a state-wide Asset Map

INTROSPECT INTERNATIONAL, Boulder, CO

2009-Present

Cutting edge leadership training solutions Leadership Trainer (part time) Responsible for delivering the Mindset of Leadership two-day workshop to public and private interests Outcome-based training containing neuro-linguistic programming and interpersonal skills development 2007 2008 Leading provider of data storage solutions using enterprise-level MAID technology Senior Vice President, Operations Responsible for leading operational improvements using Lean Six Sigma methodologies Led start-up of the Global Operations group including supply chain, manufacturing (through contract manufacturers), quality, test engineering, customer service and installation Improved product field reliability by 40%, reduced active inventory by 50% and costs by 15% through strategic sourcing initiatives Prepared company for an initial public offering by developing business processes, standardizing contracts and policies, establishing relationships with key suppliers, and recruiting key team members Recommended employee retention strategies to executive management, including implementing an open door policy, employee satisfaction surveys, and introducing leadership training

COPAN SYSTEMS, (start-up, acquired by SGI) Longmont, CO

2006 2007 Provider of storage area networking solutions with $800M in revenues Vice President, Global Supply Chain Responsible for quality and delivery improvements in operations, as well as profit and loss oversight Led 25 professionals and 250 employees (through contract manufacturers) in supply chain, manufacturing and test engineering, logistics and manufacturing to provide OEM outsourced servicing for clients, which included EMC, IBM, Hewitt Packard and Hitachi Redesigned supply chain operations using lean principles, resulting in a 75% increase in delivery performance within the first six months Reduced lead times by 90% and costs by 5% by implementing product models

MCDATA CORPORATION, (acquired by Brocade Communications) Broomfield, CO

THOMAS E. DESPRES

STORAGE TECHNOLOGY LTD., (acquired by SUN Microsystems) Ponce, Puerto Rico 2002 2006
Manufacturer and designer of information storage and retrieval devices President & General Manager, StorageTek Bermuda Limited Responsible for the strategic leadership and direction of 10 Directors and more than 500 employees producing 95% of the companys products. Executive prime for the Controlled Foreign Corporation with P&L control of $500M while delivering cost improvements averaging 5% annually. STORAGE TECHNOLOGY LTD., Continued: Negotiated with the Puerto Rican government on matters including taxes and employment incentives Awarded one of Industry Weeks Top Ten Best Plants of 2005, by transforming a non-union striking team of employees into inspired workers who embraced process improvement strategies Recognized as the 2005 Manufacturing Executive of the Year by the Puerto Rico Manufacturing Association and one of the Top 20 Puerto Rican Employers by the islands largest newspaper Used Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma to increase inventory turns from four to fifteen, improve product yields by an average of 70%, and reduce floor space requirements by 40% and scrap by 50% Implemented a supply hub and on-site stores, which improved response times and delivery performance by 20%, increased cash flow, and reduced procurement cycle time 1988 2002 Global manufacturing and technology company offering products and services for process management, climate technologies, network power, industrial automation and motor technologies Managing Director, Mexico Operations (1998-2002) Responsible for recruiting, transfer coordination, and performance management P&L control of $100M delivering 2% cost improvements annually Coordinated a new facility building transfer within six months of announcement Improved all business metrics, which included growing production output by 500% and increasing the team size by 70% Established usage of manufacturing requirements and BaaN enterprise resource planning systems Materials Manager, Nortel Networks before acquisition, (1996 1998) Responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating programs and processes to ensure material availability and delivery in support of manufacturing Implemented pull base material processes and a new enterprise resource planning system Strategic Operations Manager, Nortel Networks before acquisition, Raleigh, NC (1988 1996) Responsible for designing and implementing processes, which improved profitability Progressive promotion from Strategic Operations Manager, Production Control Manager, Output Services Manager and Distribution Services Manager

EMERSON ENERGY SYSTEMS, Monterrey, Mexico

TELEX COMPUTER PRODUCTS, Raleigh, NC

Provider of compatible peripherals for IBM with revenues of $500M Senior Planner & Scheduler Responsible for new product planning and manufacturing line implementation

1985 1987

EDUCATION
Master of Business Administration, 1990 Campbell University, Buies Creek, NC Bachelor of Business Administration, Production Management, 1985 Ohio University, Athens, OH

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THOMAS E. DESPRES

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Certified Coach Practitioner (accredited by International Coach Federation, ICF), 2011 Adjunct Faculty Member, North Carolina Wesleyans Advantage Program, 1990-1996 Certified in Production and Inventory Management, Educational Society for Resource Management, 1986 Lean Champion, 1998, Six-Sigma Green Belt, 1999

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Spanish Speaking

Thomas E. Despres, The Cultural Connection 2005, ISBN: 978-1419608698

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