Laura Kozel

Experience

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  GE Aviation

  Jun 1989 - Dec 1995

  Design Engineer - Turbomachinery

  Instrumental in initiating company strategy on concurrent engineering, manufacturing, and assembly resulting in reduced defects and cycle time up to 80%.

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  KPMG

  Dec 1995 - Aug 1998

  Manager, Supply Chain Operations Management

  Led KPMG and client teams during implementation of lean manufacturing in client facility of >30,000 people achieving 40% labor, 75% inventory, 40% cycle time reductions and 35% quality improvement.

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  GE Power Systems

  Aug 1998 - Jun 2001

  Developed and executed communication, marketing and training plan for 10 GE Energy businesses, sales teams and customers for new online sales portal resulting in increase of $1B of online spare part sales. Successfully transitioned and led the Quantum Leap Program from a pilot program to one with over 40 cross-functional teams across seven divisions of the company at five physical plant locations exceeding the $27 Million direct material savings target.

  • e-Business Commercial Manager

    Mar 2000 - Jun 2001

  • MBB - Quantum Leap Program Manager

    Aug 1998 - Mar 2000
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  GE Transportation Systems

  Jun 2001 - Mar 2003

  Six Sigma and Quality Executive

  Implemented Six Sigma/Lean/Quality in global, $2B, 5000 person organization working for CEO. Aligned vision and resources to support key business objectives and to achieve customer impact. Established targets and metrics, setup organization, and created communication plan to build six sigma culture. • Developed and executed a cross-functional, integrated locomotive reliability strategy which improved reliability and reduced unavailability up to 50%.• Introduced lean to US service shops reducing cycle time >50% and increasing labor productivity 20%. Show less

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  GE Aviation

  Mar 2003 - Mar 2009

  Primary GE interface with airframer for a critical new $1B+ business opportunity supporting launch of the Saab Gripen Next Generation fighter jet – Championed proposals and led sales effort with airframer to countries around the world, which included strategy for an engineering development program, comprehensive service package, transfer of technology, offset and terms and conditions. Performed competitive assessments, created internal and external communications and marketing material. - Executed the $200+M, extremely dynamic, NH90 engine integration program through qualification. Required coordination/mediation between an international partner, multiple customers, and US/foreign governments.- Managed relationship, financials, business development and contracts between GE and their largest international revenue sharing partner through execution of a $100M engine development program and addition of 5 new major customers and integration programs.

  • Sales and Marketing Director

    Jun 2007 - Mar 2009

  • International Programs Director

    Mar 2003 - May 2007
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  Plant America Green, Inc.

  Mar 2009 - Jun 2012

  President

  Founded company to develop integrated roofing solutions for the emerging vegetated green roofing market. Performed competitive analysis of the industry and created business relationships with major players to value propositions for customers. Became one of the few experts in North America in electronic leak detection. Independent Management Consultant supporting business plans, sales and marketing strategy, program management, and business process improvement strategy and execution using Lean Six Sigma. • Consultant in Aviation company: Increased productivity >30% and reduced project cycle time >50% in a 700 person engineering department through implementation of program management, change control processes, standard metrics and reporting, scheduling processes and capacity planning.• Consultant in Oil & Gas company: Critical advisor to Company's Lean Director in deployment of Lean in the Upstream business. Show less

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  Nuvera Fuel Cells

  Jun 2012 - Nov 2014

  Director, Field Operations

  Led the team that permitted, constructed and serviced emerging onsite hydrogen generation, compression, storage and dispensing technology across the US for use with fuel cell vehicles.- Reduced cost and lead time of installations up to 80% through development of standard work and clear construction documentation, creatively finding alternative material and storage solutions, improved contractor management, and working with customers to create the lowest cost site design.- Standardized work and implemented quality documentation during construction and commissioning that made waste visible and ultimately reduced defects up to 90%. - Critical focal for all customer relationships sharing key metrics, aligning expectations, and ensuring focused 24/7 support for any field issues.- Established business forecasting and planning processes as company evolved from R&D to production.- Implemented process that reduced critical field failures 95% through accurate capture and synthesis of field data, collaboration with the Engineering VP, and support of product improvement teams. Show less

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  Adaptive Solutions

  Nov 2014 - Oct 2016

  President

  Consulting services supporting business plans, sales and marketing strategy, program management, and business process improvement strategy and execution using Lean Six Sigma. - Performed analysis of client product certification process, identified workstreams and worked with client leads to successfully certify a new aircraft in the Aviation industry

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  NEC Energy Solutions

  Oct 2016 - Jan 2022

  Director, Platform Engineering and Service

  Leading the Service/Customer Support team for a global fleet of >1GWh (doubling year over year) of Energy Storage solutions. - Responsible for delivering and growing all aspects of the service business including maintenance, energy/availability assurances, and other customer support products.- Built an exceptional service team and support structure achieving 100% productivity while doubling install base year over year.- Developed the NEC Remote Monitoring Operations Center that achieved over 99% fleet availability supported by a great team, custom developed diagnostic tools, effective alerting/escalation process and reliable equipment.- Developed and leveraged strong personal relationships with customers at over 120 global sites to drive new product development and revenues.- Strong operational focus on developing and implementing customer support strategies and processes including preventive maintenance, thermal imaging process, capacity testing process, remote monitoring and diagnostic tools, internal, contractor and customer training progams, contractor management, and emergency response protocols.- Developed robust install to service transition process internally and with customers.- Implemented a new ERP system leading the Service Module and integration with Supply Chain, Finance, and Installation teams. Developed process for contract management and customer billing.- Responsible for analysis of fleet performance and reliability data across the fleet and resultant actions to reduce cost, improve service team productivity and product availability. Show less

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  Fluence

  Jan 2022 - Apr 2024

  VP Services, Americas
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  Self-employed

  Apr 2024 - now

  Citizen Scientist, Explorer