David Kretschmer Email & Phone Number

With over two decades of work experience as a leader and professional, I specialise in sales, business development & growth, strategic planning, quality systems and products, maximising profitability and efficiency. I introduced several new products and upgrading existing ones, resulting in significant improvement of output at the Cadac plant. I developed a strategy to improve Autoliv’s profit margins. My strong negotiation and relationship-building skills enable me to forge and foster trusting and profitable relationships with stakeholders, customers, and suppliers. Nurturing team talent for innovation while improving performance. My strong financial management background and expertise equipped me to develop and introduce Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Lean systems. Throughout my career, I consistently deliver business results in innovative environments despite having specific elements of risk and ambiguity. I conceptualised and implemented a TPM programme (lean Principles) at Autoliv, which received several global awards and recognition for excellence. Above all, my keen intercultural awareness and excellent communication skills enabled me to assist in growing the business through strategic planning and mentor groups international. During my free time, I volunteer in various health and wellness initiatives, including HIV awareness and prevention within communities.

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  Managing Director (South Africa)

  Autoliv

  Apr 2000 - Present - Krugersdorp Area, South Africa

  I lead the daily tasks of the sales and business development departments as well as assembly operations, engineering, human resources, finance, logistics, procurement, and quality assurance. I report the overall performance to the executives based in Europe. I oversee business growth through innovative product deployment. I am solely responsible and accountable for the P&L of the South African operation, including compiling budget requirements. I lead six direct reports, four senior managers, and 150 indirect reports. Other duties and responsibilities include:• Participating as a member of steering committees, including NAACAM, MIBCO, and lead the Seatbelt Buckle Improvement initiative throughout Europe. • Ensuring maximum efficiency of the operation by utilizing LEAN methodologies.• Develop all employees and mentors of the team in all aspects of the TPM programme.• Developing and maintaining an expectation of safety and compliance through health and safety, and legislative policies and requirements. Striving to consistently achieve zero incidents and accidents.• Building external stakeholder relationships with government departments, regulatory bodies, and trade unions.Key Achievements:• Developed a strong and positive corporate brand recognised by both customers and suppliers.• Oversaw the introduction of new products to improve the overall diversity of offerings and the financial strength of the company, indirectly supplying into 179 countries. • Implemented an early equipment management pillar approach to new equipment start-up times, shortening the overall time from 30 days to 3 days. • Achieved excellent annual profit growth through process improvement without the need to increase prices paid by customers.• Managed the construction of a new building, assembly lines, and product testing facility to support growth of over 60%.• Oversaw the awarding of new business through adding a new product which will increase company turnover by a further 30%.