Chris Freeman

Experience

• 

  West Fraser Europe

  Apr 2000 - Mar 2004

  Process Engineer

  • Responsible for generating process improvements & efficiencies within the Utilities area. • Managed the Waste Water Treatment Plant, Surface Water Treatment Plant, Boilers, Wet Electrostatic Precipitators & onsite CHP

• 

  SUEZ

  Apr 2004 - Jun 2011

  Led business development efforts for Ondeo Industrial Solutions in the UK, serving clients such as bp, Ineos, ChevronTexaco, ConocoPhillips, and Heineken. Managed an on-site team of 30, overseeing demineralisation water plants, cooling systems, waste water, and centrifuge assets. Achieved annual revenue exceeding €5M through strategic sales initiatives and contract management. Transformed department into revenue-generating entity, constituting 30% of departmental income. Developed HSEQ as a unique selling point for oil and gas sector clients. Recognized with awards including the GDF SUEZ ‘Sustainable Development Award’ and the ‘Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Gold Award’. Implemented nationally accredited HSE training schemes, reducing accidents and near misses by over 40%. • Drove forward operational excellence by innovating across the business.• Significantly improved the reliability & efficiency of the Cooling Water Systems, Demineralised Water Treatment Plant & Industrial Effluent Systems across the Grangemouth petrochemical complex

  • Regional Manager - Ondeo Industrial Solutions

    Nov 2009 - Jun 2011

  • Business Systems & HSE Manager - Ondeo Industrial Solutions

    Oct 2006 - Nov 2009

  • Operations Manager - Ondeo Industrial Solutions

    Apr 2004 - Oct 2006
• 

  Culligan International

  Jun 2011 - now

  Responsible for leading Culligan's strategic product portfolio direction across all brands on a global scale. Experienced in navigating complex product portfolio management, inclusive of market trend analysis, product roadmap determination, and portfolio optimisation to propel growth and align with customer demands. Highly skilled in leading cross-functional teams across the globe, utilizing strong relationship-building skills to align diverse perspectives and drive collective success towards our shared goals.Demonstrated ability to orchestrate intricate product development endeavors from conception through to market launch.Example achievements include:Devised and executed a comprehensive portfolio strategy for the integration of commercial drinking water products post-merger with Waterlogic. Streamlined 500 product SKUs down to fewer than 50, culminating in annual cost savings of $4M.Co-pioneered Culligan's inaugural ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy, conducting a materiality assessment, pioneering the first-ever global carbon footprint evaluation for Culligan, and introducing innovative Life Cycle Assessment tools tailored to each major product category within the portfolio.Currently leading Culligan's most ambitious and challenging international product platform initiative, guiding it from inception through to global rollout. Acknowledged as the authoritative leader for navigating the most complex and demanding product projects within the organization. Leading cross-functional teams spanning APAC, North America, and Europe, ensuring seamless collaboration and alignment to surpass project goals and deliver unparalleled results. Show less Oversaw product strategy and integration initiatives for Culligan group in EMEA following period of explosive M&A and organic growth, managing entire brand portfolio across EMEA region. Directed product roadmaps and integration strategies, aligning with diverse market demands. Notable achievements included:Identified and drove intracompany sales opportunities within the EMEA region expanding sales of Culligan group products to intercompany business units. - Achieved over $9M in intercompany sales, exceeding the initial target of $5.4M in 2019.- Consumable Insourcing Initiative: Developed and executed a comprehensive filtration strategy across key markets in EMEA, leading to significant cost and quality improvements. Managed a multifaceted project that resulted in annual cost savings of over $800k in savings- Harvey Connected Softener Innovation: Led for Culligan the development of the Harvey Arc softener in the UK, incorporating innovative features such as IoT connectivity and patented curved salt blocks. Implemented a strategic approach to increase recurring revenue from salt sales by 100%, generating over $1M in salt sales in the first year alone. Show less Global leader for New Product Development and Product Management for the Culligan brand. Relocating to Chicago, I built and led the global product management function. Developed strategic product roadmaps across residential, commercial, and industrial segments, and directing all product management strategies and activities within the Culligan brand worldwide.Notable achievements include:- Launched our first suite of connected IoT products - Introduced multi functional faucet (boiling / chilled / sparkling taps) product category for Culligan in North America, successfully entering the market with Zip Water.- Led complete overhaul of product portfolio in China market, and launching 20+ new products in a 12 month period. Show less Based in Bologna, Italy and reporting to the Senior Vice President EMEA I was responsible for directing all marketing and product management activities within the EMEA & APAC business unitsDirected marketing and product management activities across EMEA & APAC, including:- Developed marketing strategy to meet complex multi channel and sector needs.- Implemented digital strategy, establishing premier online presence across multiple countries in region.- Developed NPD strategy, leading core product portfolio expansion across all sectors, developing and launching multiple products such as seawater desalination, dialysis treatment and residential RO systems across the region Show less

  • Vice President Product Portfolio Management

    Jan 2021 - now

  • Vice President Product & Consumer Solutions

    Jun 2019 - Jan 2021

  • Vice President Of Product Management

    Jan 2017 - Jun 2019

  • Marketing & Product Director EMEA & APAC

    Jun 2011 - Dec 2016