Gerd Wichmann
Meierskappel
Summary
Senior Executive Leader with a track record of driving winning performance through a team of 4000 employees and $1.2B revenue. Creates a culture of open communication, empowerment, and passion. Implements long-term strategies to achieve growth of over $200M in the next 5 years. Champions sustainability and achieves significant reductions in resource usage.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
President Europe, Middle East & Africa
Sealed Air Corporation
Root
06.2020 - Current
- Leading Sealed Air's $1.2B Business and 4000 employees in EMEA...
- Delivered outstanding performance amidst challenging macroeconomic conditions over four years.
- Handled recruitment, training, performance evaluation, and termination processes for staff.
- Orchestrated strategic initiatives ensuring substantial business expansion.
- Developed comprehensive plans for revenue growth, resulting in increased annual profits.
- Developed creative solutions enhancing product and service offerings.
- Enhanced financial performance through precise P&L management.
- Authorized budgets for new funding initiatives.
- Directed top executives in establishing and meeting company objectives.
Vice President & GM Protective Packaging
Sealed Air Corporation
Nijmegen
10.2013 - 05.2020
- Managed the growth and performance of Sealed Air's $400M Protective Packaging Division in EMEA.
- Excelled in challenging conditions, achieving an EBITDA margin exceeding 20%.
- Played a key role in right-sizing and automation acquisition, integration, and growth.
- Merged Middle East and Africa business with existing operations.
- Established strong strategic relationships with key channel partners, brand owners, and logistic companies.
Vice President Global F&B Equipment
Sealed Air Corporation
Root
07.2009 - 09.2013
- Relocated to Switzerland to manage the $180M global Food & Beverage Equipment division.
- Managed production processes, service operations and development of automated packaging solutions.
- Designed organizational structure for worldwide operations involving 500 staff members.
Marketing Director
Air Corporation
Hamburg
06.2006 - 06.2009
- Developed comprehensive food packaging strategy for key fresh protein markets.
- Led regional marketing and product management teams.
- Investigated targeted markets to understand consumer desires.
- Organized trade shows to showcase products.
European Product Manager Bags
Sealed Air Corporation
Hamburg
08.2002 - 05.2006
- Designed strategic roadmaps for future products.
- Directed multi-departmental projects to align objectives across different units.
- Conducted user interviews, surveys, and focus groups for customer needs identification.
- Formulated and executed a cost-effective manufacturing strategy.
European R&D Packaging Manager
Sealed Air Corporation
Milan
01.2000 - 06.2002
- Relocated to the European R&D Center in Milan.
- Investigated technologies to improve operational performance.
- Oversaw daily operations for a team of 10+ packaging staff.
- Prepared budgets for future projects considering labor costs and material requirements.
- Ensured quick resolution of customer complaints.
Packaging Engineer/ Mgr. North Europe
Sealed Air Corporation
Hamburg
04.1997 - 12.1999
- Researched advanced materials for product enhancement.
- Assisted in troubleshooting issues related to material selection, printing techniques, and labeling requirements.
- Delivered technical support on package designs at customer meetings.
- Recommended changes to existing processes based on customer feedback or market conditions.
- Trained personnel on proper operation of equipment used in the packaging process.
Education
High Performance Boards
IMD
Lausanne12-2022
Boards & Risks
IMD
Lausanne11-2022
Team Dynamics For Boards
IMD
Lausanne11-2022
Strategy Governance For Boards
IMD
Lausanne11-2022
Strategic Marketing
IMD
Lausanne09-2008
College - Food Technology
KIN- Institute For Food Technology
Neumuenster03-1994
Skills
- Leadership Team Building
- Sales and Marketing
- Business Development
- Organizational Leadership
- Budget Management
- Employee Relations
- Financial Management
- Business Planning
- Product Development
- Revenue Generation
- Profitability Optimization
- Crisis Management
- Project Management
- Marketing expertise
- Innovation and Creativity
- Executive Performance Management
Affiliations
- Hiking
- Golf
- Traveling
- Music
Languages
German
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Italian
Elementary (A2)
A2
Timeline
President Europe, Middle East & Africa
Sealed Air Corporation
06.2020 - Current
Vice President & GM Protective Packaging
Sealed Air Corporation
10.2013 - 05.2020
Vice President Global F&B Equipment
Sealed Air Corporation
07.2009 - 09.2013
Marketing Director
Air Corporation
06.2006 - 06.2009
European Product Manager Bags
Sealed Air Corporation
08.2002 - 05.2006
European R&D Packaging Manager
Sealed Air Corporation
01.2000 - 06.2002
Packaging Engineer/ Mgr. North Europe
Sealed Air Corporation
04.1997 - 12.1999
High Performance Boards
IMD
Boards & Risks
IMD
Team Dynamics For Boards
IMD
Strategy Governance For Boards
IMD
Strategic Marketing
IMD
College - Food Technology
KIN- Institute For Food Technology
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