Michael Blow

Executive Operations Leader with 20+ years of experience in Tier 1 automotive manufacturing. Proven success in global operations across North America, China, Brazil, India, and Europe. Skilled in multi-site turnarounds, full P&L ownership for $200M+ operations, and leadership of teams exceeding 300 employees. Extensive capital management experience with oversight of $500M in investments.

• Led a $10.4 million turnaround in just 16 months, demonstrating strong decision-making and effective P&L management
• Negotiated a $5.4 million price increase for three high-volume components, representing the top 80% of part numbers
• Managed the $500 million launch of a global automotive castings division

Title: Director of Operations | VP of Operations

• Financial Acumen & Capital Investments, Managed P&L for $200M operations, leading a $10.4M financial turnaround in 16 months. Negotiated annual price increases, cost reductions, and financial improvements while overseeing $500M in capital investments for plant expansions, automation, and process upgrades to drive profitability and sustainability.
• Strategic Program, Project, and Launch Management, Successfully launched & led large-scale programs for Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, and Rivian, including a $500M automotive castings group. Delivered on-time, within-budget projects, overseeing capital investments, automation integration, and facility expansions while aligning operations with strategic objectives.
• Leadership & Global Operations, Over 20 years of leadership experience in Tier 1 automotive manufacturing, managing 300+ employees across multi-site operations. Spearheaded global business planning across North America, China, Brazil, India, and Europe, overseeing greenfield launches and acquisitions while building high-performing teams and leadership development programs.
• Continuous Improvement & Operational Efficiency, Led initiatives to enhance Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce customer quality concerns, minimize scrap, and implement sustainable Continuous Improvement (CI) programs across multi-site operations. Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, and Toyota Production System (TPS) principles, achieving significant cost savings through waste reduction and process optimization.
• Technical & Engineering, Skilled technical leader with an Engineering and Tool & Die background bringing extensive experience in robotics, automation, die casting, stamping, tooling, and machine building. Strong mechanical aptitude, complex problem-solving and troubleshooting skills, and deep process optimization knowledge to drive significant operational improvements and efficiency gains.
• Health, Safety, & Compliance, Promoted a safety-first culture, reducing workplace incidents and improving audit scores, ensuring compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 standards. Recognized with Best in Class awards for health, safety, and quality excellence while maintaining operational continuity and risk management.