KEN FORLENZA
General Manager, Managing Director, Business Unit Head, CCO, COO, President, Vice President, Sr. VP
Highly accomplished General Manager with extensive multi-industry experience, encompassing specialty chemicals, aerospace, and building materials. Recognized for cultivating trust, prioritizing safety, and executing operational finesse to optimize profitability, all while maintaining a steadfast commitment to serving the community and assisting those in need.
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Renowned for driving growth, mentoring cross-functional teams, and delivering exceptional results. Adept at strategic leadership, team building, and consistently achieving outstanding financial outcomes, underscored by a steadfast commitment to effective communication, strategic problem-solving, and financial acumen.
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Currently located in Flanders, NJ.
Open to travel, remote, hybrid & on-site.
EXPERIENCE
April 2023 – Present
Head of Strategy & Business Development
Executed M&A activities, encompassing target identification, vetting, and integration. Implemented lean manufacturing principles to optimize manufacturing capacity and processes. Introduced an annual budget process to enhance financial planning and efficiency, while also supporting HR initiatives to cultivate a high-performing team culture. Developed strategic framework and priority execution to deliver 2X growth in three years, both organically and inorganically.
October 2020 – March 2023
General Manager
Led commercial and operational strategy for a $25MM adhesives business, initially joining as the global head of the adhesives SBU with full P&L responsibility, North America expansion planning, and product portfolio optimization. Following the acquisition of Tri-Tex and integration into Meridian Adhesives Group, assumed the role of General Manager, overseeing all aspects of the Canadian specialty chemical operation, including HR, procurement, operations, R&D, commercial, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
January 2018 – October 2020
Strategic Business Unit Head Americas - Industrials
Directed the $200MM specialty adhesives and coatings business serving diverse OEM markets. Oversaw a team of executive account managers, business development managers, and engineering professionals, focused on promoting innovation and nurturing senior executive relationships. Concurrently assumed leadership of the Industrials and Automotive Aftermarket segments, with full P&L responsibility for both divisions. Effectively managed and provided strategic direction for two distinct and demanding roles, overseeing cross-functional teams, comprising sales, marketing, business development, and engineering. Demonstrated remarkable bandwidth by effectively serving as a dedicated full-time business leader for both divisions.
January 2016 - January 2020
Strategic Business Unit Head North America – Automotive Aftermarket
Directed the Automotive Aftermarket segment with full P&L responsibility, overseeing a cross-functional team comprising sales, marketing, business development, and engineering. Contributed significantly to the growth and transformation of a $25MM business in a market with an opportunity exceeding $1B.
January 2013 – January 2016
Regional Strategic Business Unit Head Latin America
Orchestrated transformational cultural and strategic change within the $40MM Industrial business in Latin America. Led a team of 83 members across sales, marketing, and engineering, optimizing the customer-facing organization into five verticalized units, achieving three consecutive years of double-digit sales growth amid economic challenges, while promoting empathetic leadership and collaborative, open-door culture.
January 2009 – January 2013
Business Director
Leading three industrial segments in North America, directed a team of professionals across sales, business development, marketing, and engineering, focusing on the Recreational Vehicle, Filtration, and Specialty Vehicle markets. Delivered top-line sales exceeding $90MM and strategically expanded market share, while fostering innovation and driving successful new product launches.
June 1999 – January 2009
Operations Director | Equipment Group Manager | Marketing Manager
Led end-to-end supply chain operations, collaborating with the business development team to introduce new products. Managed a team that achieved an 18% reduction in inventory levels, a 27% increase in inventory turnover, and improved safety, health, and environmental compliance. Implemented lean manufacturing principles, resulting in an annual 11% reduction in manufacturing expenses, maintained a 99% first pass yield in batch manufacturing, and elevated on-time delivery to 97%. Optimized procurement, lowering unit costs by 5% and significantly enhancing operating working capital and cash flow, achieving a 2.5-fold YoY improvement.
RESULTS
Implemented lean manufacturing principles optimizing processes and reducing costs, achieving an 11% annual reduction in manufacturing expenses.
Executed strategic acquisitions driving revenue growth, with a track record of identifying and integrating potential targets, enhancing the company's market presence.
Drove market expansion initiatives, realizing over 60% sales growth upon entry into the U.S. market and capturing a significant market share.
EXPERTISE
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Global Business Operations
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Global Growth Strategies
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Business Strategy
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Multi-Site Operations
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Leadership
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Business Transformation
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Change Management
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Operations Management
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Continuous Process Improvement
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Cross-functional Team Building
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Customer Relationship Management
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Performance Metrics
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Market Expansion
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Business Development
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Succession Planning
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Lean Six Sigma
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M&A
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ISO
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Process & Productivity Improvements
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SAP
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Six Sigma
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Product Development
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Change Agent
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Reorganization
EDUCATION
(MBA) Master of Business Administration
(BS) Mechanical Engineering
MEET KEN
Q & A
Why did you choose your profession?
I started my professional career with a passion for building things, which led me to leading cross functional teams. Combining a strong understanding in manufacturing & operations with a passion for selling naturally led to running businesses with a focus on profitability and building high performing teams.
What are you passionate about?
Safety, Health and Environment
What behavior or personality trait do you most attribute to your success, and why?
Listening, empathy and trustworthiness. I learned early on that these traits are what I most admire in leaders that I have been exposed to my life inside and outside of work.
Do you have a favorite season?
Fall as I enjoy the cooler temperatures and the changing of the leaves. It’s also football season, and I am an avoid sports fan, especially football having played and coached for over 24 yrs.
What life circumstance has most shaped your world view?
Living in Mexico City with my family afforded me the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture and language. Experiencing and embracing new social norms and business climate in leadership, I am proud of bringing a more collaborative approach to the team in the region.
If you were an action figure, what accessories would you be sold with?
Tool box, PPE and a note pad.
INTERESTS & HOBBIES
WOODWORKING
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HEALTH / FITNESS
TESTIMONIALS
"I had the pleasure of working under the leadership of Ken Forlenza for four years. I was always impressed by his ability to set a clear vision, empower his high-performing teams and to always maintain a positive outlook. Ken has a very strong operational and sales background and shared those skills to guide his leadership team to achieve exceptional results. He always maintained an environment that allowed his team to be creative and innovative. Ken is very results oriented and the division flourished under his leadership. Not only did individuals reach higher levels of personal performance, but the business outperformed on targets. I still consider him a mentor today and always will.”
Marybeth Wallett, Global Sales Excellence Manager, Henkel Corp.
"Any company would be lucky to have Ken in an upper leadership/ management position. Ken’s unique background of engineering, business processes , developing and servicing sales channels allows him a powerful 360 view of the business. I have had the good fortune of Ken sharing his skills and leadership abilities as a mentor to me in my business for 20 years - thank you."