Ed has more than 25 years of financial management experience in the automotive and manufacturing industries. His areas of expertise include business start-ups, corporate finance, strategic planning, operational finance improvements and financial system implementations. Ed also has experience in due diligence and serving as interim financial management. Professional Experience Prior to joining BBK, Ed held executive level financial management positions in the North American automotive supply industry as Vice President / CFO, Corporate Controller and Treasurer and Corporate Financial Manager. He has extensive experience at all levels including plant, division and corporate. Ed began his career in national public accounting. Ed served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Hella North America a $400 million multi-division, automotive lighting and electronics supplier with operations in U.S. and Mexico. He directly managed a staff of 40 responsible for all financial management activities and information technology functions. During the first year, he partnered with the management team to achieve profitability improvements and cost reductions of over $2 million that enabled the company to achieve their financial commitments. He led negotiations with German and U.S. banks, ultimately securing a $30 million master equipment lease agreement at highly competitive rates without a prerequisite guarantee by the parent company. Ed actively directed a 25 member North American team in the successful planning and on-time, on-budget implementation of SAP finance and controlling modules for U.S. and Mexican operating companies to provide enterprise enhancing financial reporting and analysis tools. He also played a key role in business case analysis, decision-making and negotiations of strategic joint ventures, acquisitions and divestitures; one involved a relay JV in China to provide low cost components for the U.S. market. As Corporate Controller and Treasurer of Technotrim, Inc., a $300 million multi-plant, automotive seat cover supplier (subsidiary of Johnson Controls Automotive), Ed developed detailed business plans and performance improvement actions while participating in strategic planning, product pricing decisions and operational decision making. He was ultimately instrumental in the successful start-up, growth and profitability of the company as it grew to over $300 million in sales and 1,000 employees, providing Johnson Controls with internal seat cover design and manufacturing capability. During his tenure, he structured financing packages with banks totaling over $40 million for both U.S. and Mexican expansion. Ed led the development and implementation of financial forecasting and reporting procedures, including financial functions in two Mexican Maquiladora facilities. He directed the implementation of plant reporting and control systems that resulted in cost reductions of over $3 million. In his previous position, as Corporate Manager of Financial Planning & Analysis for Hoover Universal, Inc., Ed was responsible for financial forecasting, management and SEC reporting for this $1 billion multi-division, manufacturing company. Prior to Hoover Universal, he spent five years in national public accounting as Audit Supervisor and Senior Auditor for Coopers & Lybrand, and Senior / Staff Auditor for Peat, Marwick, Mitchell. Background Automotive Manufacturing Education Bachelor of Business Administration / Accounting, Cleveland State University Certified Public Accountant Affiliations and Memberships American Institute of Certified Public Accountants |