Christine (Chris) Lutz Email & Phone Number

Neocortex Digital was founded in 2021 with the vision of revolutionizing new ways to address brain functionality connected to vision through advanced technology, scalable supporting infrastructures, and easy-to-deploy connected automated devices. These will lead to industry-changing services that provide affordable analysis and therapeutic improvement to everyone.

● Credentialed Board Candidate.● Provide consulting services to clients of GLG, Guidepoint, BTG and AlphaSights in various areas of global product development, innovation strategy, building winning cross-functional teams, market entry, systems engineering, reliability analysis, material selection, design for manufacturing, intellectual property management. ● Administered pro bono consulting services for Compass that supports nonprofits whose work benefits the greater Chicago community. Member of Advisory Board.

Atlanta, Ga, Us

Prior to the team's relocation to Atlanta, I led the 70-person global (N America, Europe, Asia) product development organization for a $1.5 billion business segment and world leader in writing instruments. This business includes iconic brands like Sharpie®, Paper Mate®, InkJoyTM, Uni-ballTM, Liquid Paper, Expo, Rolodex®, Prismacolor®, Parker®, WatermanTM and Rotring.Key Accomplishments:● Launched 17 new leading-edge consumer products in 12 months increasing innovation vitality sales 30% while opening new markets and channels● Delivered more than $10 million of savings in one year through value engineering and supplier activities● Focused R&D global footprint (US, Europe, India, China) into technology centers of excellence for improved efficiency, targeted growth and development savings of 25%● Established writing platforms for better product harmonization, component re-use, sku rationalization and system optimization● Introduced Reliability Analysis to target testing for proven, quality product performance over its lifetime with proven levels of reliability and confidence.

Kohler, Wisconsin, Us

At Kohler I directed the 60-person engineering and electronics organization in the planning, identification, and development of product technologies to support the company’s long-range global business plans. I provided leadership and technical guidance for the execution of human-first, cognitive UI/UX designs and product-oriented applied research and technology. Improved engineering product development systems worldwide.Key Accomplishments:● Member of Business Team that increased year-over-year market share and profitability by implementing product growth strategies● Applied system engineering principles for improved product robustness while managing design iterations for 25% improvement in time to market● Set strategic direction by driving innovation and capability into the technology road map and synchronizing it to meet critical customer needs and business objectives● Introduced innovation techniques and established professional and academic networks to create design alternatives and expand intellectual property rights; Established intellectual property management process to increase portfolio valuation● Upgraded leadership team and operational excellence via Lean/Six Sigma increasing engagement and retention

While at ArvinMeritor, I reported directly to the President of a $6 billion global automotive company to define and implement common, lean approach to global engineering systems and product development for all engineering locations (Europe, Asia, North and South America). As such, I formulated and applied a competitive engineering strategy to achieve business unit objectives. This included the development of guidelines, tools, and devised strategies for improved financial, technical and risk management of product launches.Key Accomplishments:● Guided development of global products (North America, Europe, Brazil, India, China) to leverage technology development and for localization resulting in lower standard costs: door, roof, exhaust, suspension systems● Consolidated multiple international product development processes into one across all functions companywide; Established a global organizational structure and cross-functional product development process● Launched 5 lean, robust engineering initiatives in 12 months reducing design and development time while increasing product quality● Applied six sigma tools to establish 4 cost reduction processes in 8 months● Assessed and improved 17 engineering systems in 5 business units in 12 months resulting in more efficient use of shared technologies, upgraded technology portfolio and increased margins● Defined and executed innovation and intellectual property management strategies that resulted in the creation and utilization of numerous patents

Prior to Lucent's restructuring, I managed a 65-person Engineering Center that provided application engineering services for the configuration, consultation and procurement of wireless system products. In addition, I owned P&L that was responsible for services revenue growth and profitability generation.Key Accomplishments:● 10% revenue increase year over year despite softening telecommunications market● 14% improvement in 6 months in customer on-time delivery and quality● Improved engineering processes to minimize cost, improve communication, and better manage the delivery of products to Global Provisioning Centers and customers● Managed and developed staff to ensure proper growth and development through career counseling, performance reviews, and promotion recommendations

Prior to ITT Automotive's sale to Valeo, I reported to the VP of Engineering of a 700-person global organization to improve the execution and globalization of new product development process. I managed a 20-person engineering services group that included metrology, prototype procurement and tracking, product data management, and design control. I identified, developed, and implemented long-range global Branch competitive product and marketing strategies with an understanding of the North American market.Key Accomplishments:● 20% reduction in project launch timing documented in 4 months● 7 global engineering cost reduction projects identified and implemented in 4 months● 3 product market strategies defined and executed in 4 months

Detroit, Michigan, Us

Through several roles at GM, I led the global, cross-platform, multi-functional vehicle safety development team to formulate strategic plans, develop product, assess product performance, and manage bill of materials for worldwide development and launch. I provided technical supervision and leadership including managing, planning, and training of the air bag group.Key Accomplishments:● Launched GM's first side impact air bag● Established and led GM Worldwide Product Council including Saab (Sweden), Opel (Germany), and Holden (Australia) resulting in more efficient use of technologies, technical facilities and supplier development for faster time to market● Worked with NHTSA and developed real-world testing conditions and protocol for more robust air bag products worldwide● $2 million savings in 9 months due to common sourcing strategy.● Design and Engineering Special Achievement Award● GM President's Council Honors

Systems Engineering

Mba

Ms, Mechanical Engineering

Bs, Engineering Mechanics

Executive Education, "Leading Big: Building A Winning Team" Executive Development Program