BIOGRAPHIES

Our team of expert Lean facilitators can work with your company to train, coach and mentor the successful Value Stream Mapping and Lean deployments. We have a proven record of implementing change, transferring knowledge and supporting clients to ensure training success, and are known for our pedigree and ability to deliver results. Our approach is not to install a prescriptive method but to be considerate of process, people (culture), environment and work previously undertaken.

Johnnie Ness – NEW SMALLPEICE APPOINTMENT

Smallpeice Enterprises are pleased to announce the appointment of Johnnie Ness, who joins our team in January 2008, to head-up our Lean Deployment programmes. A dynamic and award winning lean expert, Johnnie joins Smallpeice from Airbus SAS in Toulouse, France – where he has been working as Head of over 70 Lean and Six Sigma experts – responsible for improving Supply Chain on-time delivery and quality. With a wealth of Lean deployment experience, Johnnie has great charisma and character, with a proven ability to inspire operational teams, and influence the Senior Business Leaders. He is expert in facilitating policy deployment in areas in conjunction with Heads of Business, and Value Stream Mapping sessions of current and future business states to develop tactical implementation plans to drive continuous improvement

Ron Lucas

Over 35 years’ management experience in industry, working in major companies across a diverse range of industries within the UK, Europe, the USA and Australia. A practical and pragmatic “hands on” approach has provided experience in developing and implementing improvements to processes, geared to providing companies with world-class performance and products. Ron’s role has ranged from developing corporate strategies for multinationals through to short-term improvements and small company turnarounds for financial institutions. Experience with the aerospace, automotive, electronic/electrical engineering, white goods, consumer products, defence, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals and major service industries. Projects have included such areas as the practical application of best management practices in Lean and Procurement – including Value Stream Mapping, Just-in-Time applications, daily delivery, lineset sequencing, kanbans and DLF, cell design and creation, supply network management, supplier selection/development and partnerships, logistics and inventory control methods, Integrated Product Teams including Self Managed Team Based Work Systems.

Kirsty Hutchison

Lean Enterprise and Six Sigma specialist with 10 years experience of working in the field of change management. Proven track record of implementing both major change projects and Kaizen throughout all parts of the supply chain. Trained by Nissan and ex-Toyota Sensei’s, considered an expert in Lean Enterprise with a wealth of practical experience in leading major change projects, training: and running improvement activities both on the shop floor and within associated support functions. Fully trained Statistician and Six Sigma Black Belt.

Andy Watkiss

Wealth of Lean experience, and championed introduction of Kaizen into a European Division of major multi-national. Previously Vice President of Quality for the global company with a remit to introduce Lean manufacturing into all 35 plants world-wide. Course Leader for Lean Implementation programmes in both Manufacturing and Service environments.

Gillian Rhodes

Over 18 years’ worth of practical experience and real-life examples of the use of Six Sigma, Lean and Continuous Improvement tools and techniques. Recent projects include developing and running a number of Process Mapping and Continuous Improvement workshops with a major high-street bank, helping the client to identify and measure significant improvement opportunities in a number of key business processes. Master Black Belt role in an insurance company. Accomplishments included delivery of Lean Specialist and Lean Facilitator training, leading several successful Lean projects, coaching Lean Specialists and Black Belts and developing and implementing a Process Management framework.

David Valentine

Six Sigma Master Black Belt with a wealth of experience in Six Sigma coaching and development of both Green and Black Belts within large, medium and small companies. He is experienced in the deployment of both Six Sigma and Lean strategies and the development of a Continuous Improvement change culture within the whole business. David is an engaging, professional trainer with extensive skills in project facilitation and support.

Chris Dewhurst

Extensive experience of designing and delivering Lean Business and Lean Sigma programmes across a diverse range of sectors including Government & Healthcare. He firmly believes in the principle of ‘learning by doing’, and has a strong track record of working closely with client companies to facilitate sustainable performance improvements.