Product Business Manager
TRW (now part of ZF) was a major American Tier-1 automotive supplier and defence contractor, a leader in both automotive safety and satellite technology.
This role was newly created for tire pressure monitoring systems (TPM – TireWatch – “The EnTire System”), which was a new venture for TRW, who also partnered with Michelin.
My responsibilities included – Worldwide responsibility for success of new tyre pressure monitoring system; Interfaces to customers (car manufacturers); Alignment of top management, marketing, engineering and purchasing around the roadmap and development budget; Mentoring of partners and key suppliers, including the Canadian key technology supplier and Michelin; Direction of marketing efforts; Planning, price fixing, tendering and cost control; P&L.
Acting Strategic Planning Director
As a result of the acquisition of LucasVarity by TRW, this position was created to handle the fusion of the two Automotive Electronics entities into one $2bn business unit.
My responsibilities included – Providing the arguments for getting the merger approved by the EU General Directorate on Competition; Creating the strategic plan for the new organisation; Coordinating the work of four direct reports.
Marketing Manager, Europe Region
This role was within Sales and aimed at strategic planning and marketing. Despite the name, the geographical scope included Asia outside Japan and South America.
My responsibilities included – Marketing and planning for all business units in Europe, S. America and Korea; New product identification and commercialisation; Market insight, business intelligence and competitor watch; Advertising; Strategy development; Forecasting; Due diligence for M&A.
Project Engineer
The TRW site at Radolfzell was the European HQ, and the position operated within the new R&D structure (“Generic Engineering Department”).
My responsibilities included – Design and prototyping of new automotive electronic and switch products; Customer presentation; Liaison with sites in UK, US, Korea; Management of PC network; FMEAs.
