Charles (Len) Hunt
Paso Robles,CA
Summary
Results-driven executive with extensive experience in strategic planning, financial management, and operational efficiency. Proven ability to drive business growth through effective relationship building and team leadership.
Overview
40
40
years of professional experience
Work History
President
Alfuttaim Automotive
Dubai, UAE
04.2009 - 07.2018
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance brand positioning in the automotive market.
- Developed and executed strategic business plan to attain assigned metrics.
- Directed marketing strategies that enhanced customer engagement and strengthened loyalty programs.
- Managed financial planning and budget allocation to optimize resources for various projects and initiatives.
- Evaluated industry trends to inform decision-making and strategic direction.
- Fostered relationships with stakeholders, resulting in business growth and strategic partnerships.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and product development.
- Oversaw operational efficiency across multiple departments within the organization.
- Collaborated with staff members to ensure operational efficiency of the organization.
- Mentored senior leadership on best practices in management and operations.
- Developed policies, procedures, and short-term and long-term goals for the organization.
- Organized and facilitated board meetings, strategic planning sessions, and annual conferences.
- Analyzed financial statements and forecasts to improve programs, performance and policies.
- Coordinated work across departments to keep teams on track with company goals.
- Provided leadership and guidance on budgeting decisions to maximize resources available.
- Determined performance goals and offered tactics for achieving milestones.
- Built talent pipeline to support business growth and enduring success.
- Cultivated and maintained positive working relationships with employees, executives and other stakeholders.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors for services such as IT maintenance or event catering.
Senior Partner
The Gallup Organization
Irvine, California
01.2008 - 04.2009
- Established partnerships with key stakeholders to enhance collaborative efforts and solutions.
- Oversaw project management activities to ensure alignment with organizational goals and meet timelines.
- Conducted comprehensive market research to inform decision-making processes and strategies.
- Analyzed client feedback to refine products and services for greater satisfaction.
- Facilitated workshops and training sessions to develop team skills and performance.
COO/CEO
Kia Motors America
Irvine, California
08.2005 - 05.2008
- Oversaw operational strategies to enhance efficiency across multiple departments.
- Managed cross-functional teams to align goals with company vision and objectives.
- Analyzed market trends to inform decision-making and resource allocation.
- Facilitated communication between senior management and operational teams for seamless execution.
- Collaborated with other C-level executives in developing business strategies.
- Assisted in budgeting process by evaluating costs and allocating resources appropriately.
- Supervised the executive team, providing guidance on operational decisions.
- Built relationships with industry leaders both internally and externally to create new opportunities for growth.
- Developed and implemented strategic plans to achieve organizational objectives.
President
Audi of America
Auburn Hills, Michigan
01.1999 - 12.2003
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance brand positioning in the automotive market.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and product development.
- Oversaw operational efficiency across multiple departments within the organization.
- Fostered stakeholder relationships to drive business growth and establish partnerships.
- Directed marketing strategies to enhance customer engagement and strengthen loyalty programs.
- Managed financial planning and budget allocation to support project success and strategic initiatives.
- Evaluated industry trends to inform decision-making and strategic direction.
- Mentored senior leadership on best practices in management and operations.
- Developed policies, procedures, and short-term and long-term goals for the organization.
- Collaborated with staff members to ensure operational efficiency of the organization.
- Represented the organization at community events and public forums to promote its mission.
- Developed and executed strategic business plan to attain assigned metrics.
- Managed personnel issues including recruitment, hiring, training, performance evaluation, and termination.
- Provided leadership and guidance on budgeting decisions to maximize resources available.
- Cultivated and maintained positive working relationships with employees, executives and other stakeholders.
- Organized and facilitated board meetings, strategic planning sessions, and annual conferences.
- Analyzed financial statements and forecasts to improve programs, performance and policies.
- Coordinated work across departments to keep teams on track with company goals.
Managing Director
Audi UK
Coventry, England
01.1993 - 12.1998
- Head hunted from Jaguar Cars to Audi UK to fully brand separate Audi from Volkswagen.
- Established a Brand dedicated corporate office responsible for all Audi operations in the UK from Sales and Marketing, Service and Parts, Dealer Operations and Profit and Loss.
- Directed strategic initiatives to enhance brand presence in the automotive market.
- Oversaw budget allocation and resource management for multiple projects.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop innovative product strategies.
- Established partnerships with key stakeholders to drive business growth.
- Mentored senior leaders to improve team performance and leadership skills.
- Analyzed market trends to inform product development and marketing strategies
- Oversaw day-to-day operations of the company while coordinating with staff members.
- Developed action plans to ensure that all organizational objectives are met in a timely manner.
- Analyzed industry trends to identify opportunities for expanding market share.
- Monitored financial performance of the organization and initiated corrective actions as needed.
UK Operations Director
Jaguar Cars
Coventry, England
01.1988 - 01.1994
- Promoted to oversee all Jaguar Cars operations outside of manufacturing in UK following acquisition by Ford Motor Company in 1988
- Contributed to brand separation of Jaguar dealers at retail level by establishing standalone facilities
Service Operations Director
Jaguar Cars
Coventry, England
01.1982 - 01.1988
- Facilitated preparation of Jaguar Cars for separation from Rover Group, enabling successful London Stock Exchange listing in 1983.
- Developed and implemented standalone Jaguar Warranty Claims processing system for global deployment.
- Advanced to Service Director at Jaguar Cars Limited, managing all global service operations and directly reporting to worldwide Sales and Marketing Director.
Rover Group
Oxford, England
08.1978 - 01.1982
- Chosen from numerous candidates for one of three graduate trainee roles at Rover Group in 1978.
- Assigned to Service Division, executing responsibilities across Warranty, Marketing, and Systems Development.
- Engaged in warranty processing to ensure customer satisfaction and compliance.
- Contributed to marketing initiatives by supporting promotional activities and strategies.
- Participated in systems development projects to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield07-1978
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Financial management
- Operational efficiency
- Brand development
- Market analysis
- Stakeholder engagement
- Team leadership
- Project management
- Business growth
- Effective communication
- Relationship building
- Negotiation skills
- Performance evaluation
- Coaching and mentoring
- Consulting
- Leadership team building's
- Process improvement
Accomplishments
Gallup Great Workplace Award for Alfuttaim in 2007
Timeline
President
Alfuttaim Automotive
04.2009 - 07.2018
Senior Partner
The Gallup Organization
01.2008 - 04.2009
COO/CEO
Kia Motors America
08.2005 - 05.2008
President
Audi of America
01.1999 - 12.2003
Managing Director
Audi UK
01.1993 - 12.1998
UK Operations Director
Jaguar Cars
01.1988 - 01.1994
Service Operations Director
Jaguar Cars
01.1982 - 01.1988
Rover Group
08.1978 - 01.1982
Bachelor of Arts - Public Administration
Sheffield Hallam University