‹ back to Managing DirectorsAndrew D. Whelan

Andrew Whelan has more than 20 years of operational improvement experience, with particular expertise in global supply chain management, performance improvement, lean manufacturing and start-up management. He has hands-on knowledge in a variety of different industries, including:

Mr. Whelan spent 24 months working with a global consumer products company to re-engineer the order fulfillment processes from a push based manufacturing and distribution system to a demand-driven pull based system.  During this time, Mr. Whelan led a process where the entire manufacturing and distribution planning was re-designed and re-deployed globally including training of employees on the new methods to ensure the sustainability of the results.   The results of these efforts include 30% reduction in global inventory levels, 40% reduction in manufacturing cycle time and improved customer fill rates of 98%.

A few noteworthy accomplishments include:

• Developed and implemented an operational improvement plan that significantly enhanced productivity, increased sales and reduced costs; the plan included a global operational metrics program and productivity tracker, strategic planning, lean manufacturing initiatives and employee training and teambuilding
• Led the restructuring and divesture of multiple business units in Finland, where he stabilized the management team, consolidated operations and improved on-time delivery and profitability, resulting in a successful, strategic sale with significant return to stakeholders
• Led global productivity and lean manufacturing initiatives, provided due diligence services on strategic acquisitions, performed operational assessments, and developed and helped implement profit and working capital improvement plans for the company as a whole
• Managed the start-up of a large manufacturing operation in Poland, including transferring production from existing operations in Sweden, France and Finland
• Assisted with the establishment of operations in South China and India through a global consolidation of assets, where he also launched the initial product line and built a foundation for additional product lines

Previously, Mr. Whelan served in various management positions for a design, manufacturing and logistics company with multiple locations worldwide, where he was responsible for the operational, financial and strategic performance of a $620 million division with 4,500 employees.

Mr. Whelan holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University. He has lived and worked in the U.S., Canada, Eastern Europe and Western Europe and has worked extensively in Latin America, India and China.