MINA SHAMS
1903 Alta Vista Ct.
Naperville, IL 60563
Cell: 309.229.0599
E-mail: minashams30@gmail.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/minashams
GLOBAL OPERATIONS & STRATEGY EXECUTIVE
Lean Business Transformation | Product Development
Continuous Improvement | Supply Chain Optimization
High energy executive with a proven record of setting vision, developing strategy, and building highly engaged and motivated teams to deliver exceptional business results.
Recognized for forging alliances across all levels of the organization. Proven ability to drive collaboration with corporate and business partners - and lead, train, coach and mentor teams (including 175+ direct reports) - toward a common goal. Active in professional and community leadership.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
* Organizational Transformation
* Strategy Creation and Execution
* Continuous Improvement / Process Optimization
* New Product Introduction / Product Management
* Supply Chain Optimization and Supplier Partnering
* Lean Transformation Methodologies
* Six Sigma Strategy and Execution
* Product Design and Development
* Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP)
* Complex Negotiations
ěTransforming organizations through effective leadership, collaboration, team building, and excellenceî
EDUCATION
MSME - Engineering Management Masters Program (EMMP), with honors, Wayne State University, 2005
Leadership Project: "Accelerating Commonality at Ford Motor Company"
BSME - Electrical and Computer Engineering (Controls Concentration), Wayne State University, 1995
Graduate of Caterpillar's inaugural Executive Leadership Program, Stanford University, 2012
Selected by CEO Doug Oberhelman as one of 25 participants in intensive global program held in Asia, Latin America, and North America
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
FIAT POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES DIVISION OF CNH INDUSTRIAL GROUP
Turin, Italy | 2013 to 2015
Executive Director, Quality and Continuous Improvement
Introduced and managed the Continuous Improvement Process (CIP) across FPT, greatly impacting product development, sales, manufacturing, supply chain, and customer service. Created and launched a Technical Service and Solutions Department, achieving a 32% increase in sales to external customers over a two-year period.
CATERPILLAR INC.
Peoria, IL | 2008 to 2012
Global Director of Product Development Excellence / Six Sigma Deployment Champion
Established and deployed the Caterpillar Product Development System (CPDS) including strategy creation and execution, revamping of NPI processes, and development of new KPI metrics. Introduced Lean transformation methodologies and best practices, and established a Project Management Office (PMO).
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Detroit, MI | 2000 to 2008
Forward Model Quality Manager / Diesel Product Improvement Supv. / Hybrid Program Management Team Leader
Member of Strategic Planning Team that proposed and secured C-level approval for Ford's "Way Forward" organizational transformation. Drove commonality into Ford and its suppliers' design methodology, engineering standards, and procedures. Addressed and resolved product design issues with purchased Diesel engine to meet emission regulations (NTHSA). Led the Hybrid Escape Electric Vehicle (HEV) Task Force from concept to pre-production.
TRW AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS / INNOVISION TECHNOLOGIES
Farmington Hills, MI | 1996 to 2000
Lead Software Engineer / Core Team Member
Developed embedded software for new generation (Gen 5E) airbag crash sensor, and supported global customers in maintenance of existing embedded software for Gen IV airbag crash sensor.
EXPERIENCE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
FIAT POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES (FPT) DIVISION OF CNH INDUSTRIAL GROUP
Turin, Italy | 2013 to 2015
Executive Director, Quality and Continuous Improvement
Recruited to introduce and manage the Continuous Improvement Process (CIP) across Fiat Powertrain, with responsibility for current product quality, new product design quality, quality processes, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Also responsible for global product line Open Market Quality, with a focus on customer needs and brand recognition. Report directly to VP of Quality. Manage a team of 75+ employees.
* Proposed, received CEO approval for, and launched a Technical Service and Solutions Department to deliver differentiated solutions to customers, provide excellent technical support using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, and establish stronger relationships/partnerships with dealerships - thereby increasing brand awareness and customer loyalty. Successfully completed Phase 1.
* Led the Technical Service and Solutions Department in the development of diagnostic tools including a new website, troubleshooting, updating and managing of warranty policies, dealer training school, common process collaboration, and benchmarking. Following merger of Fiat with CNHi Group, led initial integration of Technical Service and Solutions into CNHi Group.
* Developed and successfully executed a strategic plan to institute Continuous Improvement and achieve customer satisfaction by building internal relationships, fostering collaboration and executing on the plan.
* Achieved outstanding results with the Continuous Improvement / Customer Centric approach as part of a new culture for the organization, working with Senior Management team and all levels within the company.
CATERPILLAR INCORPORATED
Peoria, IL USA | 2008 to 2012
Global Director of Product Development Excellence (2009 - 2012)
Six Sigma Deployment Champion (2008 to 2009)
Reporting to the VP of Global Product Development and Chief Technology Officer, charged with achieving global product excellence through deployment of world-class processes and methodologies, superior project management support, and Six Sigma strategic leadership.
Manage an operating budget of $30M, with 12 direct reports (Division Managers) and 170 employees, directly impacting the enterprise worldwide and influencing the overall corporate R&D spend. Also responsible to drive the execution of the New Product Introduction (NPI) process which is structured in phases: Strategy, Concept, Development, Pilot and Production.
* Established and deployed the Caterpillar Product Development System (CPDS), including strategy creation and execution, revamping of NPI processes, and development of new KPI metrics.
* Successfully embedded Six Sigma methodology in Product Development, achieving major reductions in R&D spending, and significant improvements in quality.
* Initiated and deployed Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) throughout the enterprise, with a specific focus on Tier 4 product programs; dramatically improving quality enterprise-wide. Authored and presented white paper to Executive Office & Leadership, achieving buy-in and financial support for the project.
* Deployed Lean Transformation techniques and industry best practices to improve efficiency and reduce waste in Product Development from concept to production.
* Delivered effective leadership while implementing organizational restructuring, reducing personnel by 20% from 2009 to 2010. Coached new managers to assume leadership responsibilities, quickly establishing a culture of accountability, communication, teamwork, inclusiveness, and respect.
* Provided leadership to a team of Master Black Belts from multiple business units with the objective to achieve a 10% R&E efficiency gain (some products achieved 40% R&D cost reduction in 2010)
* Developed Six Sigma competency model and consolidated DMAIC and DFSS training into one 5-week course, enabling rapid skill attainment by Caterpillar engineers, and improving execution of Tier 4 product programs.
* Established a Project Management Office (PMO), providing superior enterprise-level project management support to help New Product Development / NPI teams to achieve their time, cost, and quality targets.
FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Detroit, MI USA | 2000 to 2008
Forward Model Quality Manager - Controls and Calibration (2006 to 2008)
Drove commonality into Ford Motor Company and its suppliers' design methodology, engineering standards and procedures; ensured superior Powertrain (engine, transmission, and axle) quality performance through the disciplined execution of engineering discipline in Product Development from Advanced Technology through Production. Served as Technical Point of Contact to three Directors for Controls and Calibration of all vehicle programs across the enterprise.
* Identified and resolved two major system level failures. Led team of 25 cross-functional engineers to resolve issues two years prior to production; received recognition from senior management for successful resolution.
* Led development of Design Rules for all procured product. Successfully led 3 pilots (ignition subsystems, Nox and UEGO sensors); methodology was adopted as a deliverable of 2008 Global Business Objectives.
* Led and coached Powertrain Product Development (design and release activity) in the development and modification of standards and procedures to ensure reliability and robustness in product design.
* Championed quality concerns among suppliers during prototype build and visited supplier manufacturing facilities in Mexico to aid in problem resolution.
* Single Point of Contact / Lead for all Lawsuits against Ford and 1st Tier supplier. Voluntarily continued to serve as technical lead in litigation for 8 months after joining Caterpillar, achieving a favorable settlement.
* Strategic Planning Team Member. Core team member of Strategic Planning Team that proposed and secured C-level approval for Ford's "Way Forward" organizational transformation.
* Customer Focus Team Member. Evaluated future opportunities and potential for Diesel vehicles in North America. Traveled to all major Ford dealerships across the US and Canada to improve dealer relationships.
* Led 3rd Party Independent Program Assessment for all trucks (including Super Duty) for '09-'12 model year.
Diesel Product Improvement Leader (2003 to 2006)
Responsible for addressing and resolving all quality issues with purchased Diesel engine and preventing similar failures in the upcoming new model. Worked directly with Ford Dealers and customers to restore the relationship and ensure future purchase of Super Duty trucks.
* Successfully led to completion 6 major recalls (Emissions, Safety & Customer Satisfaction) of purchased Powertrain involving over 1 million vehicles (100% production). Led investigation and negotiated course of actions necessary to correct issues with NTHSA.
* Negotiated overall cost of campaign with major supplier of Diesel engines, and negotiated annual warranty sharing agreement.
* Coordinated with and provided technical support to Ford Office of General Council (OGC), Purchasing, Finance and Public Relations and held monthly reviews with Executive Office of Ford and 1st Tier supplier of engine.
* Led many projects at 2nd tier supplier as Powertrain Technical Lead to resolve major quality issues related to Diesel engine both at Engine plant and Remanufacturing facility.
* Diesel System Diagnostic Team Supervisor. Led efforts to improve the Powertrain diagnostic system resulting in yearly warranty reduction of $30M in 2006 and ongoing cost savings for lifetime of the product. Achieved an overall 90% quality improvement of the 6.0L Diesel engine since launch.
* Formed SWAT teams traveling to dealerships across the US to pilot new solutions, resolve major technical issues, assess customer acceptance, and train dealership personnel.
* Black Belt Project Team Lead. Led 5 projects addressing major warranty issues related to supplier design, Powertrain S/W, manufacturing processes, multi-plant assembly commonization and dealer diagnostics.
Hybrid Powertrain Subsystem Program Management Team Leader (2000 to 2003)
Led the Hybrid Escape Electric Vehicle (HEV) Task Force, serving as system level Technical Subcontract Manager from concept to pre-production. Primary interface between Powertrain Controls & Calibration, On-board Diagnostics Department, and HEV program in support of requirements for '03/'04 model year.
* Led the creation of technical specification for required algorithms unique to Hybrid engines.
* Managed development and design of 5 unique HEV features (A/C Controls, Torque Controls, Purge Controls, ETC, Torque Based Monitor) and developed Design Verification Method (DVM).
TRW AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRONICS / INNOVISION TECHNOLOGIES
Farmington Hills, MI USA | 1996 to 2000
Lead Software Engineer
Under contract with TRW Automotive Electronics, performed in the following roles:
* Core Team Software Engineer, European Gen 5E Airbag Sensor. Developed embedded software for a new generation crash sensor (Radolfzell, Germany).
* Core Team Member, Gen IV Crash Sensor. Supported global customers (including FIAT application team in Turin, Italy) in the maintenance of existing embedded software for Gen IV airbag crash sensor.
* Lead Software Engineer, Nissan/Kia/Hyundai Airbag Sensor application. Led team of 7 software engineers in the development of embedded software for a crash sensor application.
INDUSTRY / COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP
Advisory Council, Bradley University, Dept. of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering & Technology, 2010 to 2013
Chair, 2013 Easter Seals VIP Campaign, Easter Seals of Peoria, IL, 2012 to 2013
Established a new fund raising strategy for sustainability in 2013; volunteer for Easter Seals since 2008.
Founder and President, Caterpillar Middle Eastern Employee Affinity Group, Caterpillar Inc., 2011 to 2012
Supported Caterpillar's diversity and inclusion initiatives through the establishment of a Middle Eastern Employee Affinity Group. Grew membership to over 100 employees. Created and chaired the annual Middle Eastern Ball, which raised $310K for Easter Seals in the last two years.
Mentor, Product Development Mentoring Program for High Potential Employees, Caterpillar Inc., 2009 to 2012
Platinum Member of Worldwide Who's Who, 2012
Committee Member, Powertrain Operations Diversity Council, Ford Motor Company, 2007 to 2008
Team Member, Women of Color, Ford Motor Company, 2005 to 2008
Chair, Ford Personnel Development Committee (PDC5), Ford Motor Company, 2005 to 2007
Volunteer, Community Service Projects, Ford Motor Company, 2003 to 2008
Professional Memberships: SWE, IEEE, SAE, Ford Professional Women's Network
PUBLICATIONS / PRESENTATIONS / HONORS
Selected as one of the "Most Influential and Powerful Women in Illinois," for leadership and dedication to community well-being, and commitment to high ethical standards and professional excellence, National Diversity Council, 2012
Received a Plaque of Appreciation from Saudi Arabia General Directorate of Border Guard in recognition of outstanding support and hosting 12 officials for a period of one week in Peoria, IL 2012
Invited by Caterpillar CEO to share Middle Eastern Affinity Group's strategy for "Building the Best Team" initiative at Caterpillar, with key focus on diversity and inclusion - Caterpillar Board of Directors Dinner, 2011
Received Certificate of Authenticity and US flag in support of troops in Afghanistan, 2011
Panel Presenter, "Succeeding in an International Work Environment," The Society of Women Engineers (SWE), 2011
Featured in Wall Street Journal article titled, "Caterpillar Looks Outside," 2010
Received Annual Quality Improvement (AQI) Chairman's Award from Caterpillar CEO, 2008
Keynote speaker at Six Sigma Division Champions Summit and at Six Sigma Graduation Ceremonies (annually)
Co-Editor, Total Approach to Problem Solving, book by P. Palady & T. Snabb, PAL Publishing, 2000
Recipient, Presidential Scholars Award, Wayne State University, 1991 to 1994
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Six Sigma Deployment Director, Caterpillar Inc., 2008
Six Sigma Master Black Belt Program, Ford Motor Company, 2007
Six Sigma Black Belt Certification, Ford Motor Company, 2004
Graduate of Powertrain Core Competency, Ford Motor Company, 2002
PERSONAL
U.S. Citizen fluent in English and Farsi; culturally savvy; comfortable working in multicultural environments. Lived and worked in Turin, Italy; traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and Latin America. |
