DAN LIPE
LEONARD,MI
Summary
Proven leader in accelerating market growth and fostering strategic partnerships, notably at Hitachi Astemo, where I led the expansion of the North American EV OEM customer base. Expert in commercial negotiation and collaborative strategic planning, I've driven an increase in the North American sales pipeline and have successfully negotiated profitable programs in a challenging market. My approach combines decisive decision-making with robust client relationship building, ensuring sustainable profitability, customer satisfaction and high performing sales teams.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Global Chief Sales
Hitachi Astemo
Farmington Hills, US
09.2022 - Current
- Spearhead strategies to expand North American customer base and accelerate the adoption of new brake system technologies among North American EV OEM's.( Tesla, Lucid, Sout and Rivian)
- As Chief Global Sales -Tesla, responsible for the account strategy, business development, and execution of sales plans globally.
- Manage a portfolio of business totaling $100M USD annually.
- Develop budgetary forecasts and customer-specific strategies, resulting in a 50% yoy increase in sales pipeline for the North American Brake Business Unit.
- Lead sales, engineering, and program management teams to deliver multimillion-dollar programs on time and within budget, securing business awards with a 15% operating profit margin
- Conduct global business case analysis for new programs, optimizing cost structures and maximizing returns.
- Support European OEM's for the North American Region and align with counterparts in EU to execute account strategy. (Audi, Mercedes, Stellantis)
Sales Manager
Brembo North America
Plymouth, US
07.2020 - 08.2022
- Managed a $150M portfolio, setting commercial strategies for GM, Tesla, and EV startups
- Achieved YoY revenue growth of 10%, consistently exceeding EBIT targets by 5%
- Led contract negotiations for new business, engineering changes, tooling, and prototype parts, successfully closing over $60M in new deals
- Drove cross-functional collaboration with engineering, finance, and operations teams across North America, Europe, and China to streamline processes, reduce costs, and align with client goals
- Developed and improved client relationships by providing tailored solutions, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and repeat business
Assistant General Manager
GEEP USA
Auburn Hills, US
03.2016 - 07.2020
- Directed day-to-day operations of a $30M facility, with full P&L responsibility, improving operational efficiency and achieving sustainable profitability growth
- Led a cross-functional team of 20 direct reports, implementing KPI-driven strategies that enhanced performance and delivered a month over month improvement in production output
- Increased gross profit margins by over 30% through operational improvements and strategic sales efforts, contributing to long-term growth
- Collaborated with sales, finance, and account management teams to drive continuous improvement initiatives
Account Manager
Magna Exteriors & Interiors
Troy, US
02.2011 - 04.2016
- Managed relationships with General Motors' purchasing and engineering teams, successfully supporting divisional growth and contributing to a 20% increase in awarded contracts
- Conduct comprehensive business case analyses for new programs, optimizing cost structures and maximizing returns on multimillion-dollar projects
- Bridge sales, engineering, and program management teams to deliver high-value projects, securing business awards with strong profit margins
- Collaborate with platform development engineering, advocating customer needs to shape next-generation product offerings for OEM clients
- Architect global sales strategies, aligning regional teams to drive OEM adoption of innovative brake technologies, resulting in substantial pipeline growth
- Led quoting processes, engineering change negotiations, and VA/VE cost management, and consistently securing new business awards
- Oversaw multiple vehicle component programs, including rocker panels, fascias, and door panels, ensuring successful project execution on tight timelines
Logistics Analyst / Sales Strategic Accounts Manager
C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc
Flint, US
05.2007 - 10.2010
- Managed global automotive accounts, securing new customers and increasing revenue in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
- Collaborated with the logistics management team to optimize supply chain efficiency, reducing operational costs
Education
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) -
University of Michigan, Flint
Flint, MI01.2012
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BBA) -
University of Michigan, Flint
Flint, MI01.2007
Skills
- Team Leadership
- Collaborative Team Growth
- Collaborative Strategic Planning
- Sales Forecasting / CRM
- Sales Performance Improvement
- Client Relationship Building
- Account Management
- Commercial Negotiation
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Strong Interpersonal Communication
- Effective Relationship Building
- Decision-making
- Customer Engagement
- Strategic Decision Making
Timeline
Global Chief Sales
Hitachi Astemo
09.2022 - Current
Sales Manager
Brembo North America
07.2020 - 08.2022
Assistant General Manager
GEEP USA
03.2016 - 07.2020
Account Manager
Magna Exteriors & Interiors
02.2011 - 04.2016
Logistics Analyst / Sales Strategic Accounts Manager
C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc
05.2007 - 10.2010
MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (MBA) -
University of Michigan, Flint
BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (BBA) -
University of Michigan, Flint
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