John Leavy Email & Phone Number

Raleigh, Nc, Us

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

• Develop strategies and plans; ensure alignment with business and financial objectives• Advance employee engagement and personal development of team members; develop a high performing managerial team • Oversee all operations and business activities to ensure they produce the desired results and are consistent with the overall strategy and mission• Maximize business returns through investment and financing decisions • Understand and utilize financial data and other metrics to improve profitability • Build trust with team members, key vendor partners, and shareholders • Maintain a deep knowledge of the markets and industry we service

Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina Area

Responsible for planning, implementing, managing and controlling all financial-related activities of the company. This includes direct responsibility for finance, forecasting, strategic planning, deal analysis and negotiations, Board of Directors communication, investor relationships and institutional financing.Responsibilities:Provides leadership in the development for the continuous evaluation of short and long-term strategic financial objectives. Ensure credibility of Finance group by providing timely and accurate analysis of budgets, financial trends and forecasts. Direct and oversee all aspects of the Finance & Accounting functions of the organization. Evaluate and advise on the impact of long range planning, introduction of new programs/ strategies and regulatory action. Establish and maintain strong relationships with senior executives so as to identify their needs and seek full range of business solutions. Provide executive management with advice on the financial implications of business activities. Provide recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance and business opportunities.

Pittsburgh

Responsible for managing the development of strategic business plans for the global refinish business unit including the annual business strategy review and regional updates. Work in conjunction with Corporate and individual regions to identify and pursue acquisition targets and, if successful, lead integration activities. Lead PPG activities pertaining to distributor expansions and strategic sales of distributors to ensure that PPG market interests are protected or expanded. Key initiatives included the acquisition of a proprietary technology in Italy, integration of an acquired businesses in Colombia and China, commercial product acquisitions in North America and the successful transition of over 50 distributor businesses in North America. Worked closely with Investor Relations, Corporate and business unit Finance, on Board level and investor presentations and addressing Ad Hoc requests.

Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

Responsible for managing PPG single line distribution (Platinum distributors) programs aimed at expanding Platinum distributors breadth of capabilities, geographic reach and financial strength in order to grow PPG sales and market presence. Achieved record sales penetration with over 58% of PPG sales being generated through Platinum distribution. Key programs which were developed or improved included sales growth rebate programs, benefits, and distribution education initiatives, including the development of the first commercial coatings training programs. PPG's Certified Distribution Network (CDN) was created, under my direction, to service direct customers utilizing Platinum distribution superior service capabilities and currently represents approximately 15% of PPG's North American business. Managed direct sales of Grow products and PPG's associated products program which were an added benefit to the Platinum program. These direct sales programs, during my tenure, grew from $25MM to over $40MM and continue to have a positive growth trajectory.

Cleveland/Akron, Ohio Area

Directed all aspects of the finance organization in North America including financial reporting, budgeting, internal controls, project development and working capital management. Directed a staff of twenty people. Key initiatives completed include the integration of the North American portion of a large global acquisition, the development of an on-line investment analysis tool to monitor end user investments, and the successful entry into profitable new product lines. Profitability within the North America increased 30% and working capital efficiency improved during my four year tenure.

Greater Pittsburgh Area

Responsible for leading all acquisition activities in support of individual business units. These activities included target identification, acquisition approach, identification of potential synergies, valuation, writing the investment proposal for Board approval, and working with business units on purchase accounting and integration. During my tenure in Corporate Development, PPG closed 27 acquisitions valued at $2 billion. Key acquisitions that I led included the $515MM acquisition of PRC-Desoto aircraft sealants and coatings, CEI fleet management, and Orica Australia.

Greater Pittsburgh Area

Worked in conjunction with individual coatings and glass business units to develop strategic business plans and execute on approved strategic initiatives. Led efforts to expand PPG's presence in Latin America and Asia through both organic growth and through joint ventures. Key successful initiatives included the exit of a joint venture and the subsequent launch of PPG Automotive OEM and Automotive Refinish in Latin America. Secured over $100 MM in funding for PPG's first manufacturing plant in Latin America and sales expansion. Launched PPG's first and successful joint venture in India that remains operational.

Greater Pittsburgh Area

Financial liaison for foreign affiliates including joint ventures in Korea, Thailand and Taiwan. Managed coatings group capital reporting budgeting and approval process and acted as an expert resource for construction accounting projects including the development of PPG's first manufacturing plant in China. Worked in conjunction with Corporate Treasury, and foreign affiliates, on annual Finance Plans. Developed overhead reduction reporting and capital reporting metrics that led to overhead reductions and more effective use of capital investment.

Greater Pittsburgh Area

Develop and manage marketing budgets, sales budgets, SKU sales forecasts and channel projects in support of the Olympic brand of stains and paints. Key initiatives included the integration of the 1999 Olympic acquisition into the PPG family of brands, the movement of Olympic from a three step to a two-step or direct distribution model, the conversion of the core Olympic brand to a latex product and the entry into the water sealant category. While profitability suffered, due to these extensive integration steps, the Olympic brand remained strong and was well positioned for future success including the launch of Olympic Paints.

Decatur, Illinois Area

Responsible for plant budgeting, cost accounting, deviation analysis, financial reporting, internal controls, and management reporting. Supervised a staff of ten people who were responsible for all transactions including payroll, capital reporting, accounts payable and daily monitoring of production activity. Successfully expanded production to a two line facility, added a satellite facility, and added two off-line manufacturing lines, which required extensive accounting involvement.

Greater Pittsburgh Area

Review internal controls ensuring that proper control procedures are in place and that an effective control environment is maintained and is operational. Performed a variety of audits including purchasing audits, general internal audits, functional audits, construction audits, and special investigations. Completed audits for each of PPG's major business areas and completed audits on three continents including the first ever audits in Venezuela and Germany. Completed a special investigation of a construction project that resulted in PPG being refunded over $200K in over charges.

Greater Pittsburgh Area

Responsible for product costing and inventory tracking on all product lines. Maintain daily control of shipping operations to ensure that all products shipped are properly invoiced or returned for driver credit. Responsible for monthly physical inventories and the annual product cost update.

Mba, Business

Bachelor Of Science, Accounting