Before founding Contract Manufacturing Consultants in 1999, Robert worked for Solectron Corporation, one of the world's largest contract manufacturers. As a marketing and programs manager his responsibilities included setting regional sales strategies and negotiating supply agreements with key accounts. Robert also managed program managers who were responsible for ramp-up and maintenance of assigned customer programs and coordinated multi-regional service needs with sites internationally.

Robert began his career as a industrial engineer for General Electric Company. After receiving his MBA he joined McKinsey & Company as a general management consultant where he helped resolve complex strategic and operating issues for major corporations. He then joined Hillenbrand Industries as Vice President of Strategic Planning, creating successful business development and manufacturing growth plans for its $500 million consumer products subsidiary. Robert relocated to Silicon Valley to work with new venture companies and as Director of Marketing for Asyst Technologies, helped establish this start-up as a leading semiconductor capital equipment manufacturer. 

Robert is a frequent contributor to industry publications and conferences. He holds degrees in Industrial Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from Stanford University.

Over the last fifteen years Jim has been an executive with Solectron and Celestica working with customers to create successful contract manufacturing relationships. As Vice President of Medical and Aerospace Markets at Celestica, he created operating teams to support new business with emerging medical device companies and large, multinational defense companies. He managed complex transitions to Asia for major accounts and helped establish new production sites in China for optimal cost-benefit solutions. At Solectron Jim was Vice President of Sales and Director of Program Management and was responsible for all sales and program management activities. These included setting sales and pricing strategies, negotiating contracts with major accounts and overseeing multi-disciplined customer focus teams. Jim’s contract manufacturing product experience ranges in complexity from single-site PCBA assembly to multi-site PCBA, full system assembly, test and shipment to final customer.

Jim’s earlier work was in marketing and product management for Loral-ROLM and Hewlett Packard. He served as a pilot in the US Navy and taught at the US Naval Academy. He holds a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University and an M.S. degree in Computer Systems Management from the Naval Postgraduate School. Jim is an avid golfer, skier and hiker.

CMC advisors include dozens of manufacturing, engineering, materials and in-country experts from leading EMS companies and OEM's, independent consultants, and others knowledgeable in the industry. Advisors are engaged as needed for specific assignments.

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