Aart Schuurman Hess, Principal - Calgary

A dynamic senior executive with extensive experience in starting up and developing manufacturing companies throughout Europe, Asia and North America. Proven ability to lead existing organizations to higher levels of performance and profitability. Successfully directs complex and time sensitive projects. A recognized team builder who speaks the language of both boardroom and shop floor.

SELECTED ACHIEVEMENTS

Completely restructured plant operations of a very large food production facility in the US resulting in a significant reduction of labor and food cost (-15%), improved margins (+8%) and profitability.

Led team in development of a unique home building concept comparable to lean car manufacturing processes. This resulted in a 70% reduction of overall construction time, carried a zero waste policy and improved overall quality. Improved EBITDA by 300%.

Developed and implemented a manual mail sorting process that competes in labor and cost with fully automatic sorting systems used by the large, national mail distribution companies. The system is considered one of the pillars of the success of a Dutch mail distribution company founded in 2000 and currently valued at $345 million CAD.

Successfully introduced a web-enabled customer information system, allowing high-end clients to view the progress of the construction of their multi-million vacation villa across the world.

Organized and completed the move to and restart of a temporary food production facility within 10 days after a major fire destroyed a 50.000 sq.ft. production unit. Simultaneously directed the reconstruction of the burned down facility which was concluded in 6 months.

Successfully executed the move and start up of the world’s largest airline catering kitchen, capable of producing 60.000 airline meals a day, in a round the clock operation.

PRIOR EXPERIENCE

Pasha Investments V - Interim Executive, Vermeesch Technical Installations

Trimoteur Holding BV - Shareholder
    - Trimoteur Real Estate Spain - Managing Director
    - Monte Mayor Golf & Country Club - Development Manager
    - Sandd - Director of Operations

Delta Dailyfood Holding BV
    - Delta Dailyfood Texas Inc. - Vice President Operations
    - Delta Dailyfood Thailand Ltd. - Managing Director
    - Delta Dailyfood UK Ltd. - Production Manager

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
    - KLM Catering BV - Head Kitchen Department
    - KLM Inflight Supplies - Manager Catering Contracts Europe, Africa, Middle East, India and Pakistan

QUALIFICATIONS

Hotel & Catering Management - The Netherlands
EFFI - Health and Safety degree
Junior Chamber International, Leyden Chamber - Chairman Leap Commission (training)
Junior Field Hockey Coach and Level 1 Referee
Dutch Canadian Business Club Calgary - Member
Calgary Chamber of Commerce - Member