André Klehm
Wilmington,NC
Summary
Executive leader with more than 10 years of senior leadership experience and over a decade in the retail merchandising and store-fixture industry. Proven success in establishing and scaling U.S. operations, overseeing multimillion-dollar facility expansions, and directing manufacturing, engineering, sales, and finance functions. Strong expertise in international business development, supply chain optimization, process improvement, and workforce leadership. Fluent in German and English with an in-depth understanding of U.S. and European corporate environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Kesseböhmer Retail Merchandising USA
12.2023 - Current
- Full responsibility for strategic, operational, and financial performance of the U.S. subsidiary
- Oversaw planning, construction, commissioning, and certification of a new $20M+ manufacturing facility
- Directed organizational restructuring, workforce development, and performance-management programs
- Strengthened customer relationships and improved market penetration with key U.S. retailers
- Implemented operational excellence initiatives improving quality, service reliability, and throughput
Managing Director
Kesseböhmer Retail Merchandising USA
01.2019 - 11.2023
- Established and scaled U.S. operations from ground-up construction to full production capability
- Negotiated financing, leasing, and investment agreements exceeding $15M
- Reduced landed cost by 20% through tariff and freight strategy optimization
- Led cross-functional teams in operations, HR, finance, logistics, engineering, and QMS
Vice President of Sales
Kesseböhmer Retail Merchandising USA
08.2017 - 12.2018
- Launched U.S. market entry with multimillion-dollar revenue in first 18 months
- Secured key national accounts including Walmart, Lidl, Meijer
- Developed go-to-market strategy, pricing systems, and sales programs
Head of Business Development
Kesseböhmer Warenpräsentation
01.2017
- Executed international expansion strategies for Europe and the U.S.
Key Account Manager
Kesseböhmer Warenpräsentation
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Expanded strategic customer portfolio across Europe by 35%
Product Manager
Kesseböhmer GmbH
01.2008 - 01.2012
- Directed product development, engineering coordination, and portfolio strategy
Project Manager
Tobjekt Einrichtungssysteme
01.2006 - 01.2007
Project Manager
KHV Möbelwerkstätten / Robinson & Cornish
01.2005
Education
Engineer of Wood Technology (BA) -
Academy Melle
Germany01.2005
Skills
- Executive Leadership & P&L Oversight
- Strategic Planning & Organizational Leadership
- Manufacturing Operations & Quality Management
- Business Development & Customer Acquisition
- Retail Fixture Production & Engineering
- Process Optimization
- Financial Strategy & Capital Planning
- Cross-Cultural Communication (US/EU)
Websites
Accomplishments
- Supervised team of 25 staff members.
- Achieved record-high client growth in 2023 by developing a comprehensive sales and marketing plan.
- Oversaw the full construction of a 93000 sqft facility as the internal Project Manager
Languages
German — Native
English — Fluent
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Kesseböhmer Retail Merchandising USA
12.2023 - Current
Managing Director
Kesseböhmer Retail Merchandising USA
01.2019 - 11.2023
Vice President of Sales
Kesseböhmer Retail Merchandising USA
08.2017 - 12.2018
Head of Business Development
Kesseböhmer Warenpräsentation
01.2017
Key Account Manager
Kesseböhmer Warenpräsentation
01.2012 - 01.2017
Product Manager
Kesseböhmer GmbH
01.2008 - 01.2012
Project Manager
Tobjekt Einrichtungssysteme
01.2006 - 01.2007
Project Manager
KHV Möbelwerkstätten / Robinson & Cornish
01.2005
Engineer of Wood Technology (BA) -
Academy Melle