Ross D. Merten
Iowa City
Summary
Finance and commercial operations executive with 20+ years leading financial strategy, commercial operations performance management, and organizational scaling in complex, capital- and people-intensive finance, sales and service operations. Proven ability to partner directly with sales and operations to drive margin discipline, labor efficiency, asset performance, customer satisfaction, and sustainable growth. Builds and develops high-performance teams that are trusted, proactive partners to the field. Brings a continuous improvement focus, and experience leading through growth, change, and multi-site complexity. Committed to cultures where safety, trust, and shared success come first.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Director, Finance & Treasury
NORDEX (Global Renewable Energy OEM)
Iowa City
01.2025 - Current
- Lead corporate finance, treasury, and financial analysis & structuring activities for the North American division.
- Direct project costing, cash flow planning and credit management for all divisional wind turbine sales opportunities.
- Partner with commercial leaders to ensure pricing discipline and contract profitability.
Sr. Director, Business Operations
NORDEX (Global Renewable Energy OEM)
Iowa City
01.2022 - 01.2024
- Served as strategic business partner to division CEO and board members.
- Partnered with operations leadership to identify, assess and regulate strategic risks affecting the division.
- Led competitive and market intelligence shaping go-to-market and contract strategies.
Sr. Director, Service Operations
NORDEX (Global Renewable Energy OEM)
Iowa City
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Led North American service organization supporting 2,000+ customer assets, managing 250+ technicians.
- Achieved operational, safety, and P&L targets while improving labor efficiency and service reliability.
- Strengthened field leadership capability and introduced KPI-driven performance management.
Director, Service Sales
NORDEX (Global Renewable Energy OEM)
Iowa City
01.2016 - 01.2020
- Responsible for O&M contract pricing, commercial negotiations, and aftermarket sales.
- Executed 19 major service agreements totaling $11.5M.
- Grew aftermarket P&L from $4M to $13M through disciplined pricing and Salesforce implementation.
Director, Post-Sales Services
ACCIONA WINDPOWER (Global Renewable Energy OEM)
Iowa City
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Oversaw commercial and operational performance of the North American service P&L.
- Increased service revenue from $10M to $30M while maintaining zero lost time incidents.
Manager, FP&A
ACCIONA WINDPOWER (Global Renewable Energy OEM)
Iowa City
01.2009 - 01.2013
- Managed budgeting, forecasting, and multi-currency cash flow modeling for $200M business.
Corporate Audit & FP&A Roles
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
Omaha
01.2004 - 01.2009
- Managed $300M operating expense and $100M capital program budgets.
- Led audit engagements uncovering $3M+ in recoveries and process savings.
Education
MBA - Management
University of Iowa
Iowa City12-2013
BBA - Finance
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA05-2004
Skills
- Contract pricing and bid strategy
- Margin improvement
- Cross-functional collaboration with sales and operations
- P&L leadership for field service
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Scenario and capacity planning
- Finance and sales process modernization
- Strategic risk management
- Leadership development and culture stewardship
Websites
Certification
- Harvard Business School Online – Certification in Negotiation Mastery - 2023
- Certified Internal Auditor - Last Active in 2009
Timeline
Sr. Director, Finance & Treasury
NORDEX (Global Renewable Energy OEM)
01.2025 - Current
Sr. Director, Business Operations
NORDEX (Global Renewable Energy OEM)
01.2022 - 01.2024
Sr. Director, Service Operations
NORDEX (Global Renewable Energy OEM)
01.2020 - 01.2021
Director, Service Sales
NORDEX (Global Renewable Energy OEM)
01.2016 - 01.2020
Director, Post-Sales Services
ACCIONA WINDPOWER (Global Renewable Energy OEM)
01.2013 - 01.2015
Manager, FP&A
ACCIONA WINDPOWER (Global Renewable Energy OEM)
01.2009 - 01.2013
Corporate Audit & FP&A Roles
UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
01.2004 - 01.2009
MBA - Management
University of Iowa
BBA - Finance
University of Iowa