Welcome!
Here, I share the professional and personal journey that shaped me—an industrial career that sharpened my expertise, a foundation built on hard work, and the global experience that created a life driven by purpose and values.
If you’re looking for real, tangible transformation in supply chain, operations, and manufacturing, you need more than just a strategy—you need execution at scale. Throughout my career, I’ve led global supply chain ecosystems, multi-site operations, and strategic sourcing initiatives to drive efficiency, scalability, and innovation across some of the world’s most dynamic industries. From Apple and Carrier to Juul and Peloton, I’ve taken businesses through rapid growth, operational turnarounds, and greenfield expansions—building sustainable, high-performing organizations that thrive in competitive markets.
I don’t just talk about transformation—I architect and execute it. Whether it’s optimizing a manufacturing footprint, deploying Industry 4.0 technologies, eliminating constraints in hyper-growth environments, or integrating AI-driven supply chain intelligence, I bring a pragmatic, results-driven approach that turns strategic vision into measurable success.
How I Drive Competitive Advantage in Operations & Supply Chain
✔ End-to-End Supply Chain Optimization – Merging demand, logistics, materials, and global capabilities into a cohesive ecosystem that enables seamless production, distribution (B2B & B2C), and service execution.
✔ Operational Footprint & Value Stream Optimization – Eliminating inefficiencies, reconstituting operating models, and structuring organizations for sustainable, long-term growth.
✔ AI & Data-Driven Decision Making – Leveraging mathematical modeling, real-time analytics, and digital twinsto anticipate, correct, and optimize supply chain and operational performance in real time.
✔ Scaling Businesses from High-Growth to Stability – Building agile, resilient teams and workflows that evolve from startup-scale to world-class operational excellence.
✔ Strategic Leadership & Execution – Known for a driven, self-starting approach, I inspire high-performing teamsto execute complex transformations with strategic foresight, adaptability, and collaboration.
With the quickly emerging autonomous capabilities of AI the race to optimize supply chains, manufacturing, and operations is accelerating. Companies that embrace through deployment these advanced digital solutions, AI-driven intelligence, and streamlined execution models today will define the industry leaders of tomorrow. If you’re looking to elevate your business, optimize your operations, and outpace the competition, let’s talk.
Stephan Kruger
Multi-site Operations Leader
Global Supply Chain
Manufacturing
Industry 4.0
The difference between ordinary and extraordinary lies in the commitment to not just imagine what’s possible but to make it happen.
Ambition drives me, challenges excite me, and obstacles ignite my determination. I live to build, to innovate, to lead where others hesitate. The spirit of adventure and progress defines me, pushing me to achieve greatness for myself and those around me.
Email Stephan - Click Here
Location:
Atlanta Metro Area, Georgia U.S.A.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Carrier Corp: Led Carrier’s $9B global network optimization, delivering $800M in projected strategic savings across 52
locations and developing a make-versus-buy strategy, tracking towards $300M in savings by 2026.
JUUL Labs: Oversaw 11 high-volume, regulated medical device manufacturing operations with a $500M annual budget and $5B in product spend, driving operational excellence and capacity expansion to meet explosive sales growth.
Peloton Interactive: Directed a $300M budget for supply chain and manufacturing operations, driving capacity increases and launching Bike+, Tread, and Rower products in under 5 months during the 2020-2021 electronics shortage.
JUUL Labs: Established five mega-site greenfield locations, including opening new plants in Hungary and Mexico, each with class 8 medical clean rooms, achieving 6M monthly capacity and launching 120+ new products.
Apple Inc.: Eliminated 2-year capacity constraint in Apple’s haptic module manufacturing in under 6 months, introducing automation solutions that saved $600M annually and reduced product costs by 60%, saving Apple $1.5B in FY 2017.
ElringKlinger USA: Directed the launch of a greenfield manufacturing site in Atlanta during the 2008 recession, growing revenue from $5M to $30M in two years through lean processes and automation for zero supply interruptions.
Lydall: Accountable for multiple-operations in a rural setup in North Carolina doubled EBITA from 8% to 16.4% in 16 months. Installed lean programs, prioritized waste reduction initiatives, increased efficiencies and restored employee morale.
CAREER
2023 - Present
Executive Director
Global Supply Chain & Operations
Network Optimization
Carrier Corporation
Industrial equipment - HVAC
2021 - Present
Board Chairman
Medical Practice Operations
NeuVitality
Functional medical clinic
2021 - 2023
Senior Vice President
Global Supply Chain & Operations
Bryte Labs
SaaS company
2020 - 2021
Senior Director
Global Operations & Supply Chain
Peloton Interactive
Connected sporting equipment
Accountable for new product introductions, global supply chain operations, driving cost efficiencies and scaling manufacturing to meet hyper-growth. Leading operations and strategic sourcing, new country launch and delivered innovative solutions to support rapid product expansion.
2018 - 2020
Senior Director
Operations & Supply Chain
Juul Labs
Medical device
At Bryte Labs, accountable for 11 factories and global supply chain strategy, optimized manufacturing, and implemented Industry 4.0 solutions. I achieved significant cost savings, improved operational efficiency, and ensured seamless product launches in a dynamic startup environment.
2016 - 2018
Senior Manager
Core Technologies & iPhone Operations
Apple Inc.
Consumer electronics
Accountable for Apple haptic module operations operations driving precision manufacturing, scaling global supply chains, and deploying advanced Industry 4.0 solutions. I achieved cost efficiencies, enhanced quality, and supported seamless year over year multi product launches.
2014 - 2016
Senior Manager
Global Metal Tooling
Apple Inc.
Consumer electronics
Responsible for metal stamped parts throughout all Apple products enabling accuracy of DFM / DFA processes with designers while developing vendor capabilities ensuring a flawless launch accross multiple platforms with precision stamping and delivery to assembly points throughout Apple's supply chain. I delivered cost savings, enhanced quality, and ensured the seamless launch of high-volume products.
2011 - 2014
Senior Director
Multi Site Operations
Lydall
Automotive tier 1 manufacturer
Accountable for the turnaround and performance enhancement of a +$50M P&L multi-site operation in a rural part of North Carolina. Optimizing processes, eliminating waste and installing lean methodologies doubled the EBITDA from 8% to 16.4% in approximately 16 months from starting this position. Obtained Ford and other quality certifications.
2008 - 2011
Managing Director
Multi Site Operations
ElringKlinger USA Inc.
Automotive tier 1 manufacturer
Led post acquisition integration, operations and strategic growth planning for a large US greenfield manufacturing unit. Directed over 320 employees with eight direct reports and managed a P&L of +$27M.
2004 - 2008
Business Development Manager
Multiple Automotive OEM Accounts
ElringKlinger
Automotive tier 1 manufacturer
Established and nurtured customer accounts developed relationships with C-Level and senior leadership to expand brand awareness and increase revenue. Grew NAFTA customer base within the heavy duty truck indsutry at OEMs like Mack/Volvo, Detroit Diesel, Caterpillar, John Deere, Peterbilt, Cummins and at Chrysler. Multiple new product awards and launches globally.
2000 - 2004
Product Development Engineer
Multiple Automotive OEM Accounts
ElringKlinger U.K. Ltd.
Automotive tier 1 manufacturer
My career began as a Product Development Engineer, where I honed my skills in innovation and precision. In this role, I was responsible for designing and developing cutting-edge products, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to bring concepts to life. This experience laid the foundation for my problem-solving mindset and fueled my passion for creating impactful solutions that meet both technical and customer needs.
EDUCATION | COURSES | AWARDS
2013
Leadership Development
Center for Creative Leadership
I completed a transformative course at the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL), where I honed my self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and leadership skills. The program emphasized adaptive leadership, collaboration, and driving meaningful change—principles that continue to guide my approach to team and organizational success.
2010
Employer of the Year Award
Hall Greater Chamber of Commerce
US Senate - Employer award
Selected to receive the Employer Recognition Award sponsored by the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce. Award reconition received from Senator Johnny Isakson for rapidly expanding and building out an Automotive Tier 1 manufacturing site with extensive automation investments and employees onboarded.
1995-1999
Bachelor's Degree
Mechanical Engineering
University of Stellenbosch - South Africa
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Stellenbosch, one of Africa’s leading academic institutions. My thesis on solar farms and thermodynamics reflected my passion for sustainable energy and solving complex engineering challenges. This vibrant academic environment provided a strong foundation for my career in engineering and operations.
1990 - 1994
High School Diploma
Sr Year: Elected Vice President Student Council
Technical Vocational High School
Technical High School - Drostdy South Africa
I attended Drostdy Technical High School in South Africa, where I majored in Fitting and Turning and earned recognition for the best academic and technical achievement across all vocational fields. This experience fostered my passion for engineering and problem-solving, providing a strong foundation for my future endeavors.
PROFESSION
TRANSFERABLE FUNCTIONAL SKILLS
Multi-Site Operations
Greenfield | Expansions
Turnover
KPI Setup & Improvement
Leadership & Team Development
Global Supply Chain
End-to-End Network Optimization
Contract Negotiations & Management
Spend Analytics & Optimization
Manufacturing
Automation | Process
Industry 4.0 Deployment
Continuous Improvement
Total Preventative Maintenance (TPM)
New Product Introduction
Consumer Electronics
Medical Device
Consumer Electronics
TRANSFERABLE EXPERTISE
MULTI-SITE OPERATIONS
Mastering multi-site operations requires fostering a culture of accountability and inspiration. By prioritizing clear communication, measurable realistic KPIs, and a commitment to quality, stability, and safety. With consistency of lean principles and continuous improvement, I empower teams to excel while ensuring operational excellence. I lead by enabling others to take ownership, aligning their efforts with strategic goals, and cultivating an environment where growth and success are achieved collaboratively.
GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN
Enhancing global supply chain combines leveraging industry-leading tolls & solutions such as AI-driven spend analytics, with strategic make/buy decisions. I excel in vendor selection, contract negotiations, and pricing strategies, utilizing my extensive global network of contract manufacturers and component suppliers. Whether onshoring manufacturing in the U.S. or outsourcing to low-cost regions, I focus on building cost-efficient, resilient, and agile ecosystems that adapt seamlessly to risks or uncertain business climates, ensuring long-term operational success.
AUTOMATION & MANUFACTURING
Leveraging industry-leading Industry 4.0 technologies and big data digitization to analyze performance, identify bottlenecks, and uncover improvement opportunities. By integrating advanced statistical feedback and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), I ensure sustained process optimization. With an in-depth understanding of equipment buy-off, startup, and ramp processes in mission-critical environments, I excel at driving efficiency, reliability, and seamless operational scaling.
NEW PRODUCT INTRODUCTION
(NPI)
With extensive experience driving new product introductions across multiple industries in regulated environments, guiding concepts to production launches with optimized processes that deliver high FPY and OEE performance. My in-depth understanding of the complete NPI build phases and phase gate requirements enables me to mitigate risks, streamline individual processes, and execute robust, efficient launches that ensure quality and operational excellence.
Sam Bowen
SVP Hardware Engineering
Peloton Interactive
Thankfully Stephan joined to lead the Operations program Management team. He was a great partner for the engineering team, and a solid leader and manager. Stephan is a driver who holds teams accountable for execution, quality and following process. He has a straight forward style, is data driven, doesn’t get caught up in politics, and gets things done.
I hope to work with him again, and would highly recommend him to anyone considering him.
Martin Klautke
SVP Global Operations
Lydall Thermal / Acoustical
I had the opportunity to work with Stephan and I was glad to have in my team. Stephan is a transformation Agent, he was very successful in a clean up effort of an unorganized business unit. This resulted in rapidly growth in operating income as well as freeing up capacity for additional new business. He rebuild very efficient a new team which was aligned to each other I never saw before
Stephan was always fully accountable, he know´s how to read risk, plan contingencies and does not miss any opportunity to reduce waste with a larger picture on growth to bottom line. He is a valuable asset for every organization, no challenge is high enough for him.
Henry Yang
Process Engineer
Apple
Stephan and I partnered to deliver state-of-art mechanical components. Stephan was instrumental in enabling the smooth transition between NPI to MP. While it is easy to point to his knowledge and experience as the key to his success, what I was most impressed with was his ability to build teams and reach across different groups to deliver success. He has a great attitude to build rapport with various cast of characters, while at the same time not afraid to ruffle feathers to get to the right solution. He was also highly accountable, leaving no doubt that he was going to deliver his promises. These characteristics are most critical in a leadership role. I always admired Stephan and appreciated our collaboration.
TESTIMONIALS
Johnny Isakson
US Senator
State of Georgia 2005 - 2019
It is with great pleasure that I send my heartiest congratulations to you and the others at ElringKlinger USA, Inc. on recently being selected ot receive the Employer Recognition Award sponsored by the Greater Hal Chamber of Commerce. Your vision, imagination and hard work made
it possible for ElringKlinger USA, Inc. ot be recognized for its many accomplishments and commitments made to both customers and employees and I commend you.
Steve Williams
Director Global Tooling
Apple
Stephan is great at recognizing talent and team building. He has the ability to bring out the best in you while mentoring you to the next level. His enthusiasm and drive for perfection are contagious.
PWC
2010 Annual Financial audit
An increase in profit margin from 5.5% in 2009 to 10.7% in 2010 is the net effect of the following. Profit margin increased significantly due to increased production efficiencies achieved during 2010 along with the fact the Company has been able to increase their selling prices on certain products in 2010.