‹ back to Managing DirectorsRichard C. Thompson

Richard “Rick” Thompson is a senior operations executive with more than 25 years of experience in lean manufacturing and process improvement. He is particularly skilled in supply chain management, strategic planning and P&L management. Mr. Thompson’s broad industry expertise includes:

Mr. Thompson specializes in increasing productivity and reducing costs through manufacturing and business process improvement initiatives. Notable accomplishments include:

• Led the operational restructuring of a Tier-1 automotive parts supplier during a strategic acquisition, where he established quality control measures and working-capital improvements, implemented manufacturing cells, reduced cycle-time and managed the renovation and consolidation of manufacturing facilities
• Managed all aspects of a facility relocation and business start-up in Mexico for a global firm specializing in design, manufacturing and logistics services, where he was responsible for operational P&L
• Directed the operational turnaround of an acquired, coated-paper manufacturer supplying products to the adhesive label industry, where he implemented setup reduction, eliminated scrap and established inventory control measures
• Vice president of worldwide operations for a lighting products manufacturer, where he reduced inventory and cycle time, established lean manufacturing methods and introduced new products into the production schedule on-time and on-budget
• Established best practices for manufacturing at Dell Computer Corporation, which significantly improved operations
• Enhanced productivity, working capital and profitability for a $150 million manufacturer through cell implementation and cycle-time reduction

During his career, Mr. Thompson has served in a number of managerial roles both on an interim and non-interim basis, including various positions at a consulting firm specializing in lean manufacturing methodologies. In addition to assisting clients with operational improvement, Mr. Thompson helped develop the firm’s overall strategic direction and its best practice methodology for order fulfillment.

Mr. Thompson holds a bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and an MBA from The University of Texas at Austin. Additionally, Mr. Thompson is a Certified Program Management Professional.