Russ Richardson

Mr. Richardson sold his interest in a company that he co-founded in the fall of 2001. His company was cited in Managing Automation cover story February 2001 as one of the top 25 emerging technology companies in America to watch. During that venture Mr. Richardson was cited in Quality Magazine, Automotive News and a number of other publications.

He currently serves as a partner in Global Lean Institute. He leads companies acting as interim CEO. His experience has been with Tier 1 Automotive suppliers and Aerospace. He has worked in plastic injection molding, stamping, tool & die, investment casting, steel foundries, assembly plants, and machine building companies. He has also worked with banks and legal counsel in various roles of receiverships and bankruptcy issues.

He has 20 years experience in the manufacturing environment holding Plant Manager and Operational Manager positions. He has assisted with several Japanese transplants and has had extensive training and implementation in Lean Manufacturing. He has performed over 100 Kaizen initiatives implementing pull systems, 5-S, TPS, TPM, Poka Yoke solutions, and Kan Ban systems. He has also been involved with several QS and ISO implementations from inception to external audit review.

His work has centered on solving complex problems and defining opportunities for organizations. His leadership has resulted in well-documented improvements on the manufacturing floor as well as the performance of individuals and teams. He has worked closely with companies helping develop organizational structure and leadership groups to assist in the growth of these companies. He has worked in China, South Korea, Canada and Mexico.

Mr. Richardson earned a B.B.A. from Grand Valley State University in 1988 and an M.M. from Aquinas College in 1995.