Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Hi, I’m

ROBERT WINTERHOFF

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Baden-Württemberg,NY
ROBERT WINTERHOFF

Summary

BUSINESS EXECUTIVE/CEO – GLOBAL TRANSFORMATIONAL STRATEGIST – DRIVE INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS THAT EXCEL FINANCIAL & OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCIES Develop Product & Corporate Brands, Lead Big-Goal Growth Initiatives, Use Data to Steer Business Decisions, and Implement Action-Oriented Strategies That Generate Multi-Millions in New Revenue Accomplished and highly successful growth and business turnaround executive and consultant who builds corporate brands, expand market reach into new sales territories, and launches profitable product lines. Implement transformational strategies that adapt company staff, resources, assets, and financials to exceed scalable business objectives and drive long-term profitability. Streamline sales and operational infrastructures designed to gain market share and improve product pricing/margins. Routinely increase company revenue from 8% to 25% with consistent overall cost reductions of 5% to 30% annually. EXECUTIVE & MANAGEMENT SKILLS Multi-Million Business Restructurings Business Expansions (JVs, M&A, Partnerships) Turnaround Strategies/Enterprise Improvements Contract Negotiations/Risk Avoidance Benchmark Performance Improvements (BPIs) P&L Management/Budgeting/Cost Controls Product Rebranding/Go-To-Market Strategies Staff Reorganizations & Team Expansions Disruptive Business Modeling Performance Improvement Methodologies

Overview

32
years of professional experience

Work History

ULTRASONE AG
Tutzing, BAVARIA

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
01.2021 - Current

Job overview

  • The Bavarian specialist for headphones
  • Implemented global business strategies, achieved transformation targets, and positioned the brand for growth: developed new products, closed technology gaps, and increased competitiveness
  • Created a product roadmap, brand image, and marketing collateral for the ULTRASONE (first virtual product)
  • Launched a new product line, leveraging market research and customer feedback when developing product branding strategies that subsequently grew revenue of wireless products by 80%
  • Implemented a brand ambassador "starter kit" sales enablement strategy for new and existing partners
  • Created video content, aligned marketing and sales materials (e.g., white papers, presentations, and online catalogs)
  • Created and established ULTRASONE’s new OEM business formed a strategic partnership with a luxury brand that has an iconic reputation as well as an up-and-coming start-up that makes mobile devices.
  • Refined organizational structure to consolidate, streamline and delineate necessary functions.
  • Developed quarterly business plans to evaluate cost projections.

A Win Direction

MANAGING DIRECTOR
01.2014 - Current

Job overview

  • Transform Operations, Financial Drivers, and Sales & Marketing Campaigns for Clients within the OEM Market
  • Align R&D Activities with Customer-Centric Manufacturers Looking For Product Advantages
  • Consult with global and enterprise clients (up to $983M in revenue) on next-generation business modeling and innovations through quality products, sales and marketing, and untapped markets
  • Drive infrastructure changes that speed production, go-to-market strategies, and management decision-making
  • Provide customers with a customized portfolio of services, including market/industry research, performance measures/KPIs, leadership development, change management, and strategy development
  • Deliver competitive solutions that produce millions in cost savings with new revenue channels as well
  • Transition into Interim Executive and Senior Sales & Business Development roles for clients who need more aggressive operational and P&L transformation and leadership excellence
  • Audit the complete internal infrastructure in search of fast-growing opportunities
  • Use a continuous improvement approach
  • Utilize robust growth and productivity technologies that produce substantial ROI for customers, including agile transformations and new product development/launches to establishing joint ventures/ partnerships and global expansion and scaling initiatives
  • Research competitors and market tolerances when designing and managing pricing and profitability strategies
  • Identify target market sizes, digital marketing roadmaps, ideal products, and forecast financials to include margins
  • Engage internal stakeholders and advise members of the leadership team.

International Audio Holding, IAH

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
01.2019 - 01.2020

Job overview

  • Launched New Product Lines & Established New Distributor Channels Throughout Several Countries
  • Overhauled Product Images/Brands as well as Sales Collateral & Product Launch Activities
  • Drove operational and business development goals for the $6M Elst location
  • Managed operational leadership, strategic planning, sales/marketing, brand positioning, and research/development (R&D) for two product lines: CrystalConnect and Siltech
  • Developed and executed a strategic business plan that outlined market drivers, outlined P&L disciplines, and prioritized operations and business processes
  • Focused on investments to people, processes, and technology to produce top ROI (e.g., hired more engineers/sales staff)
  • Created a product roadmap, brand image, and marketing collateral for the CrystalConnect (first virtual product)
  • Launched a new product line, leveraging market research and customer feedback when developing product branding strategies that subsequently grew revenue by 10%
  • Transformed the business unit to drive an overall competitive advantage; e.g., improved content delivered to distribution partners, reduced departmental risk factors, and produced a new global distribution strategy using new distributors in Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, United States, etc
  • Joined the company as a consultant, later taking over as CEO, charged with transitioning the company during an executive/leadership changeover
  • Coached and mentored the successor, while positions the teams and peers throughout the onboarding process as well.

MUSIC Tribe

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
01.2018 - 01.2019

Job overview

  • Led transformational changes throughout operations in addition to overseeing strategic direction and implementation with responsibility for bottom line of Behringer/Bugera Brands
  • Managed a portfolio of businesses that generated sales of $250M
  • Executed product development and branding initiatives, identifying and capitalizing on prime market gaps
  • Identified product opportunities and developed roadmaps to benefit from the global market
  • Tapped new opportunities (e.g., e-commerce, multi-channel) that positioned the company for 8% YOY sales
  • Defined, developed, and implemented brand portfolio strategies for program commercialization, business growth and market share goals
  • Used data from customers and existing product metrics, including net profits, gross margins, and sales, to identify new revenue opportunities
  • Refocused the R&D department and redefined marketing strategies thereby saving overhead costs and improving net profits
  • Analysed, planned, and implemented a multi-phase business plan that shifted resources to profitable markets
  • Developed and executed strategies that engaged online community and increased e-commerce sales using video content and connecting that to major marketplaces, such as Amazon
  • Managed user interface development and cross-platform functionalities.

Heilbronn

MANAGING DIRECTOR / CEO
01.2015 - 01.2016

Job overview

  • Led Massive Digital Transformation Initiatives & Business Model Transformation Strategies That Enabled the Company to Invest Time & Resources for Building a Customer-Centric Company
  • Led turnaround and business transformation initiatives to include brand development/awareness, partnership development, omni-channel marketing, and digital strategies
  • Managed this $61M engineer and manufacturer of headphones, microphones, and conference systems used by B2C/B2B clients
  • Audited and tracked multi-site P&Ls (Farmingdale, NY, Singapore, and Bangalore, India), including cash flow, income, liquidity, and business assets
  • Aligned project and department budgets to improve operational expenses to better align with lean operational and financial efficiencies
  • Utilized market intelligence and customer insights/KPIs to improve the success of product launches, while elevating product pricing, brands, and market positions
  • Oversaw the negotiation of profitable, long-term multimillion-dollar client contracts that delivered a 11% jump in revenue by 2016
  • Produced optimal product launch and go-to-market strategies that expanded existing markets and positioned the company to branch into new territories
  • Executed strategies that were later used to develop new revenue streams through e-commerce and retail channels
  • Worked with executives and key business stakeholders as the company was shifted from a product-centric to a customer-centric mindset and operating model
  • Led the charge towards developing customer solutions and improve customer experiences
  • Grew product revenue to 17% of total sales.

EMERGING MARKETS, HARMAN International

DIRECTOR, GLOBAL SALES
01.2012 - 01.2014

Job overview

  • Developed YOY Revenue & Emerging Market Growth Throughout the BRIC Market – Laid the Framework That Generated an Estimated 25% YOY Increases Between 2014 & 2019
  • Spearheaded business development and product placement strategies into emerging markets throughout Brazil, Russia, India, and China (BRIC) as well as Mexico and Turkey
  • Grew total revenue from 12% to 29% in 18 months with continued YOY market growth across North America and Europe
  • Directed approx
  • 410 as part of the BRIC team, along with a Country Manager and Division Chair
  • Networked between sales and marketing, design, R&D, procurement, supply chain management, operations, business intelligence, and regional management (Country Manager)
  • Maintained a $450M emerging markets portfolio with projects ranging from $10M to $250M
  • Secured 290% ROI on $27M new product introduction project by modeling profitability/pricing, identifying product offerings, and leading brand positioning with marketing group
  • Implemented sales models and go-to-market plans that made the BRIC market the highest growth region
  • Increased infotainment sales 31% and auto market 7%, going from $312M to $1B (3-fold increase) in revenue in about 2 years
  • Led a $50M transfer project for telematics technology, which included cross-functional support across engineering, sales, and quality control
  • Administered engineering support and technology, market evaluation/segmentation, and the development of technology roadmaps.

HARMAN Intl

DIRECTOR
01.2009 - 01.2012

Job overview

  • Developed & Implemented Business Development Plan That Outlined Effective Market Expansion, Diversification, and Penetration – Grew Revenue 5-Fold by 2012 – Market in 2019 Was Well Over $1B
  • Drove business development, market entry/expansion, and market intelligence initiatives that strengthened sales and profits throughout Asia
  • Grew annual revenue from $29M to $153M in part by negotiating and acquiring contracts with 3 new OEM customers
  • Developed a 5-year strategic plan that outlined revenue growth and scaling initiatives as part of the China 700 Million Program
  • Aligned sales, engineering, operations, and management
  • Outlined business opportunities, program objectives, and avoidable risks to deliver predictable, consistent business growth
  • Established local infrastructure (two R&D centers and sales branch) in Beijing, shortening product launches and provided go-to-market agility
  • Achieved 90% capacity of the NE China (Dandong) Greenfield manufacturing site in 3 months of startup
  • Delivered $50M divestment program for German engineering center and Chinese wholly owned subsidiary by initiating research and due diligence and negotiating engagement agreements
  • Developed and implemented a strategic portfolio plan that reallocated assets and increased program value
  • Received Harman Hero Award — coached and encouraged top 5% performers within the company to attend the Leadership Development Program
  • Inspired management and non-management staff to sustain peak performance and achieve stretch goals.

HARMAN Intl

DIRECTOR
01.2006 - 01.2009

Job overview

  • Consulted With Executives on New Market Entry Strategies, Identifying Emerging Investments, Reducing Risk Factors, Cost-Effective Solutions, and Seamless Expansion & Optimization Approaches
  • Directed product quality, safety, environmental and lean production initiatives (235 OE/OPS staff) across 6 Europe manufacturing sites throughout Europe
  • Managed a multi-site budget of more than $64M, which included auditing and analysing revenue, inventory, and cost controls
  • Oversaw establishment of a new manufacturing plant — grew to 250 employees and $35M in revenue annually
  • Directed the implementation of infrastructure, equipment, people, processes, and systems across production planning and management, team performance, and quality controls
  • Drove innovation, productivity, and competitiveness by expanding technology as part of a $28M platform/global expansion program
  • Leveraged sophisticated analytics/data insights to provide micro and macro performance information (e.g., productivity levels, profit margins) for each location
  • Steered best practices for ISO/TS 16949 compliance to improve margins and reduce waste
  • Used data to devise corrective actions (e.g., new processes, intro of tools/resources, and improved staff training) to increase output and efficiencies
  • Led divestment and restructuring projects during the 2007-2008 global economic crisis
  • Initiated new programs, cost-saving initiatives, and business expansion efforts to drive market share and profitability:
  • Saved $10M by responding to learning processes and streamlining the value chain/logistics
  • Executed Kaizen and Product Preparation Process (3P) events at all plant locations
  • Cut non-value added processes, which reduced component manufacturing by 22%
  • Delivered Step Change Restructuring Program 6 months ahead of schedule; established $150M savings
  • Maximized efficiency and customer focus by restructuring process and organizational structure while considering customer input, process analysis, and competitive benchmarking.

HARMAN Intl

SENIOR MANAGER
01.1995 - 01.2005

Job overview

  • Drove Product Launches for Global Car Manufacturers/OEM Partners
  • Integrated new products and manufacturing quality/standards into existing manufacturing plants
  • Standardized operating processes (SOPs) that promoted lean launches, efficiencies, and output
  • Served as a robust problem solver and strategist as a member of the Project Management Task Force
  • Developed and implemented standard operating procedures (SOPs) that promoted lean launch processes and efficiencies
  • Leveraged product management knowledge of software/automated testing, version controls, and improved configuration management
  • Drove performance of the launch quality assurance (QA/QC) team that consisted of 150+ employees with 4 direct reports: quality, program, test, and customer assurance managers
  • Led staff efficiency by identifying clear goals/KPIs, encouraging transparency, and setting an ideal team culture
  • Worked with customer purchasing and engineering teams to develop benchmarks and identify trends/goals that were used to promote a continuous improvement model
  • Ensured quality engineering and deliverables met with OEM and government regulation standards
  • Cut operational costs (OPEX) 13% by introducing multiple internal improvements, e.g., created an executive review board, leveraged collective product management knowledge (PMK), and innovated project functions to include transparency and accountability
  • Launched 13 automotive OEM infotainment products in Europe and Asia in less than 24 months
  • Generated an estimated $250M in revenue, along with a 20% gain in market share worldwide.

Education

Dipl-Ing from Mechanical Engineering

University of Wuppertal

Master’s Degree
1991

Skills

  • ADDITIONAL SUCCESS
  • Finished 2015 IRONMAN World Championship, Kona, Hawaii

Timeline

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

ULTRASONE AG
01.2021 - Current

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

International Audio Holding, IAH
01.2019 - 01.2020

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

MUSIC Tribe
01.2018 - 01.2019

MANAGING DIRECTOR / CEO

01.2015 - 01.2016

MANAGING DIRECTOR

A Win Direction
01.2014 - Current

DIRECTOR, GLOBAL SALES

EMERGING MARKETS, HARMAN International
01.2012 - 01.2014

DIRECTOR

HARMAN Intl
01.2009 - 01.2012

DIRECTOR

HARMAN Intl
01.2006 - 01.2009

SENIOR MANAGER

HARMAN Intl
01.1995 - 01.2005

Dipl-Ing from Mechanical Engineering

University of Wuppertal

Master’s Degree

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