Brian Olson Email & Phone Number

Greater Chicago Area

Looking for an International Business Development posittion

Lisle, Il

•Streamlined processes and introduced process improvements that enhanced productivity and growth in the Asia, Pacific, Middle East, Africa (APMEA) and China regions. Recognized as supplier of choice.•Manage all aspects of planning, tracking and analysis of filtration activities, technical issues, change management, commercialization and expansion impact. Growth from new channels was 300% ($200 million) from 2008 to 2013.•Supervised support for international customers, monitored global compliance and government regulations.•Drove improvements, performance, reliability and cost reduction by collaborating with customers and McCain internal resources to resolve supply chain issues. Key example: re-engineering export packaging to increase container load ability by 15%, while reducing damaged cases from over 5% to less than 1%, lowering landed cost.•Developed a unique understanding of North American based QSR and Casual Dinning industry operating internationally.•Obtained deep insight into the business culture and dynamics of over 25 international markets.•Represented McCain within the American Potato Trade Alliance, an organization dedicated to enhancing international market access for US potato exports, and on the Grocery Manufacturing Association, an International Committee.

Lisle, Il

•Managed McCain USA International appetizer product category P&L.•Drove profitable growth of appetizers starting in 1999 outside of the US into new markets. From a base of near zero in 1999 to over $40 million in 2013 sales. This was accomplished by identifying opportunities and developing products that met specific market and customer needs.•Developed and leveraged internal and external partnerships and networks to maximize the achievements of the business.

Deforest, Wi

(canned & frozen vegetable processor acquired by Chiquita and subsequently acquired by others)- Managed raw product procurement into five vegetable production facilities.

Plover, Wi

(Foodservice potatoes and appetizers business acquired by McCain Foods in 1997)- Analysis and implementation of operational cost improvement projects.

Bachelor’S Degree, Applied Horticulture/Horticulture Operations, General, 3,5

Activities and Societies: Production Agriculture Fruits & Vegtables

Course Work In International Relations