Will Sutherland Email & Phone Number

San Francisco Bay Area

Startup medical device company developing a continuous, non-invasive blood pressure monitor.

Union City, Ca

The company is developing flywheels as a solution to the energy storage dilemma inhibiting full reliance on renewable energy resources. Multi-cycles per day, 100% capacity for 20+, and environmental tolerance make for a compelling argument against conventional solutions. I was brought in early stage to get the product built. I successfully built a pilot production facility in Union City, CA and founded an operational team in the Philippines. The product is emerging from the NPI phase and entering commercial release. A greenfield factory in the Philippines is scaling production to support regional projects; groundbreaking is underway on a much larger capacity second factory. I am choosing to step away at this time as local management makes much more sense moving forward.

Led transition team following sale of Artificial Muscle to Parker including implementation of Parker Lean and WinCertification programs. Reorganized group to align with new business plan targeting industrial products like valves, pumps, and sensors. Developed an IoT strategy for EAP based products.

The ViviTouch brand of high fidelity actuators were successful in the audio and haptic consumer electronic segments. Managed team responsible for high volume manufacturing of EAP actuators through manufacturing partnerships in the APAC region. Directed a global supply chain from raw materials through module sub-assemblies. Aggressively pursued a cost reduction strategy based on continuous process improvements and automation. Support development of next generation structures and materials to expand market penetration.

Venture funded spin-out of SRI. Developed materials platform and manufacturing process to support commercialization of Electro-Active Polymer (EAP) actuators. Established partnerships in support of outsource strategy and scaled production. Led due diligence, marketing, and transition team for sale of company and supported Series B financing. Managed finance, budgets, HR, IT, and facilities.

Core member of leadership team that transformed the company from an $8M/y weld shop into a $140M/y systems integrator of process tools, modules and fabricated parts for semiconductor, flat panel, LED and solar process equipment. Built a value added engineering department that designed process modules for leading equipment OEMs like Applied Materials, Novellus, and Varian; we successfully shorten time to market, improved margins and reduced system cost.Grew a satellite manufacturing site in Austin, TX into an autonomous facility with >50 employees, developed and launched 3 private label products, and led the ISO 9001 implementation team.

Served in Marketing, Operations, and Engineering roles during a 400% growth phase of the company. I managed the largest product line in the company, coordinated the commercial response team, presented proposals to decision makers, and assisted negotiations. I implemented a design to order NPI process that created a platform for new growth without compromising margins; changes to operating procedures and ISO 9001 implementation improved margins and customer satisfaction.