Positively and constructively,
personally and people orientated
Characterized by more than 25 years of leadership experience in American-managed IT and automotive companies
I actually look back on more than 25 years of leadership experience in American-managed IT and automotive companies.
During this time, I have seen and experienced a great deal that is still to come in other companies and industries.
My areas of experience and core competencies:
I look back on more than 25 years of leadership experience in American-managed IT and automotive companies.
I have successfully managed various production plants, also taking responsibility for the areas of quality, HR, HSE, controlling, production, as well as SCM and Operational Excellence.
I have proven myself several times in post-merger integrations; additional production sites, supply chains and processes were proactively and noticeably positively integrated into existing structures.
I have successfully solved the challenges of Industry 4.0 / IoT and the implementation of ERP systems as a link between production and IT on several occasions.
I would describe myself as a strategy developer and pragmatic implementer who is particularly distinguished by his eye for the team.
I am proud of the wealth of experience I have built up over the years in the areas of production and supply chain, as well as the associated international experience.
Positive feedback and appreciation, which I have received as a business partner over the years, are also a nice confirmation of my own work.
A QUICK, QUICK fix usually doesn't work. I get to the bottom of things. In order to get a complete and clear picture of the problem, it is important to talk to all levels. This is the only way to achieve sustainable solutions.
Oliver Merkle
A QUICK, QUICK fix usually doesn't work. I get to the bottom of things. In order to get a complete and clear picture of the problem, it is important to talk to all levels. This is the only way to achieve sustainable solutions.
Oliver Merkle
Awards
2021
EMEA Clarios Impact Award
VARTA Battery Traceability
Introduction of a system for tracking batteries from production to recycling
2020
Clarios Impact Chairman's Award
Guardamar META Business Process
Improvement of the entire process for the sale of batteries in the META region (including product portfolio, distribution structure, IT processes)
2017
Johnson Controls Merit Award
AGM Expansion Plant Hanover
Significant expansion of the Hanover plant during ongoing operations
2011
Johnson Controls Merit Award
Best Practice Sharing (BPS) Process
Development and implementation of a process for identifying and distributing best practices between plants in EMEA
2010
Johnson Controls Merit Award
Ceska Lipa Turnaround
Significant performance improvement in the Ceska Lipa (CZ) plant, including throughput, scrap and costs
Recharge your batteries. On the water.
Recharge your batteries, clear your head, in order to discover new horizons together with my client in the mandate. I am a passionate sailor and also enter the race as a helmsman and take responsibility.
VITA
09/2022 – 08/2025
VITRA Factory GmbH,
Weil am Rhein
Manufacture and trade of home and office furniture
(Headquarters in Birsfelden (CH) near Basel)
02/2021 – 06/2022
Global Head of Production and Intralogistics
approx. 600 employees, management of the Vitra production sites in DE, HU, FI, JP
05/2019 – 06/2022
Clarios Deutschland GmbH & Co KG,
Hanover (formerly Varta / Johnson Controls)
Manufacturer of lead-acid batteries for motor vehicles
- 11 plants in Europe (including 2 JVs)
- approx. 3,500 employees EMEA
- approx. 14,000 worldwide
02/2021 – 06/2022
Executive Director Procurement & Supply Chain
(approx. 80 employees; authorized signatory)
05/2019 – 01/2021
Operations Director
(approx. 1,400 employees, management of five plants in Spain, France, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Saudi Arabia)
08/2002 – 04/2019
Johnson Controls Power Solutions,
Hanover
10/2017 – 05/2019
Operations Director
(approx. 1,400 employees, management of five plants in Spain, France, the Czech Republic, Turkey and Saudi Arabia)
10/2012 – 09/2017
Plant Manager Hanover
(approx. 700 employees, budget 90m€, management)
02/2011 – 09/2012
AGM Expansion Manager
(Plant expansion Hanover, 85m€ investment)
07/2007 – 01/2011
Director Continuous
Improvement EMEA
12/2006 – 06/2007
Preparation of an acquisition of another battery manufacturer
04/2005 – 11/2006
Supply Chain Manager Europe
09/2002 – 03/2005
Head of Battery Assembly and Plastics Production,
Plant Hanover
(140 employees, budget 16m€)
06/2001 – 07/2002
VARTA Automotive Battery,
Hanover
06/2001 – 09/2002
Head of Production Control,
Plant Hanover
09/1996 – 05/2001
Baan Deutschland GmbH,
Hanover, Germany
Dutch/American provider
for ERP software systems
Consultant / International Project Manager
10/1989 – 02/1996
University, Mechanical Engineering Studies,
Degree: Dipl.-Ing. Mechanical Engineering
Diploma thesis:
Development of a logistical quality management system for Mercedes-Benz AG in Bremen
