Thomas Wachter Email & Phone Number

Downey, Ca

In this role I was heavily engaged in the integration process of merging thedistribution companies of International Paper and Bain Capital to form the West Region CreditOperations Department of Veritiv. The reduction in overlap of the two similar companies was a high level strategy and my primary focus and required multiple system conversions, restructuring of portfolio management, and aggregating sales while optimizing overhead.I enjoyed the challenge of transforming the legacy processes from each company into a new set of best practices for both business processes and personnel. By managing the core competencies of my direct reports and focusing on accountability, I built new integrated teams in Southern California and Chicago and mentored and managed an outsourced team in Guatemala including HEAVY internal process improvement specific to invoice accuracy.I am proud of the cross functional team engagement and leadership achieved. This has resulted in building an elite team, progressive process improvement, and driving top performing Credit and Accounts Receivable results for the company as bench marked at the national level.

Downey, Ca

During my tenure at International Paper I was fortunate to have strong mentors that helped me expand my background in finance and manufacturing to in depth knowledge of distribution practices and standards. In my early career I managed a portfolio covering California, Arizona, Nevada, and the Pacific Northwest. I was originally recruited to replace the incumbent Senior Credit Manager, who was also my mentor, and within 18 months of joining IP I was prepared to take on the new role.With a supporting team of 11 direct reports we consistently achieved results recognized by senior Finance leadership and within 4 years was promoted to Western Region Credit Manager with responsibility for 19 Western and Mid America states. Working for International Paper was a very rewarding experience for me. Alignment with international business practices through customers in Asia, outsourcing to Krakow Poland and Guatemala and receiving recognition awards for most improved reduction in Days Sales Outstanding, Lowest Bad debt expense, and overall leading financial performance awards are highlights I am proud to have achieved.