Vice President Customer Service

DONALD R. HILDEBRAND

*** ****** **** ***** *****, SC 29445 843-***-**** **************@*******.***

SUMMARY AND PROFILE

A well-versed Executive Management professional with a key Finance and Operations skillset tied in with both domestic and international exposure from a standpoint of financial system conversions, financials and due diligence involved in mergers, buyouts, and acquisitions. Additionally, on top of this, this individual has been instrumental in developing stronger accounting and finance systems and procedures that reduce costs and increase reporting and analysis capabilities. His outstanding experience in negotiating and procuring capital and funding at reduced interest rates to fuel business growth activities are the cornerstones of a career distinguished by sustained accomplishment that has enabled businesses such like Le Creuset and The Cookware Company to be where they are today.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

The Cookware Company (USA), Irvington/NYC, NY

VP/CFO- Americas

June 2018 – April 2024

Key Executive responsible for Finance, Operations, Customer Service, HR, IT, and general conscience for the business. Company has grown 4X since I joined. Note I also have Commercial responsibilities with direct responsibility for a) Slow Moving/Closeout Sales, b) developing business in LAMEX, and c) Web Site setup, implementation, maintenance and discount/profitability management. Company, in the USA, grew from $60M to <$300M+ while I was employed.

Le Creuset of America, Inc., Early Branch/Charleston SC

Vice President of Finance & Operations

January 2009 – May 2018

Key executive manager overseeing and being financial and general conscience for all aspects of the business.

Responsibilities included all financial and accounting functions, information technologies (IT), the distribution center and logistics management, demand planning, customer care (customer and consumer service), and retail operations and lease management.

Board Member of Le Creuset of America, Le Creuset Canada, and Le Creuset Mexico

Participant in frequent International/Group meetings (new product development, Operations, Logistics, IT, Finance, Retail, Executive and annual budget reviews) in Europe.

Have managed company through significant growth, in both Wholesale, Retail, and Ecommerce channels, while developing solid cross-functional relationships at all major customers and with retail property landlords.

Instrumental in establishment of MMAP policies with strict enforcement, protecting the strong Le Creuset brand.

Implemented cost savings programs in freight, logistics, telephony, supplies, professional services (audit, tax, legal).

Executive Sponsor and Chair of the Business Transformation Team charged with implementing Microsoft Dynamics AX and associated ISVs for a total business system transformation across all channels and functions. Used Sure Step methodology and successfully launched in Canada in July of 2016 and LCOA of America in June of 2017

Executive sponsor for new POS system (EPICOR) implementation and roll out to stores in 2014

Executive sponsor on specification document for new ERP system and gaining Group approval to start implementation (Microsoft Navision) in 2012.

Led the implementation of an demand planning/inventory optimizer system

Confluence Watersports, Easley, SC

Vice President & CFO/Operations

Aug 2006-November 2008

Key executive manager overseeing and being financial and general conscience for all aspects of the business.

Responsibilities included all financial and accounting functions, information technologies (IT), the distribution center and logistics management, and operations of AT Paddles, a paddle manufacturing subsidiary.

More than doubled contribution margins by implementing profit enhancement plans with purchasing and labor management.

Developed dashboard reporting tools and weekly flash reports to highlight problems and trends in the business, allowing timely adjustments if necessary.

Developed and implemented Pricing Model to ensure maximum pricing and margin opportunities.

Drove improvements in overall distribution costs by reducing fixed costs by 20+% and eliminating $2.5 million in net freight variances.

Reduced risk insurance costs by 33%.

In 1.5 years, increased AT Paddle sales by 70% while improving its EBITDA from negative 42% to positive 30%.

Negotiated re-financing of borrowing agreement, increasing limit, improving advance rates, and simplifying covenants.

Improved eligible accounts receivable to 99% from a low of 60%.

Improved eligible inventories in excess of $1.2 million.

Drove improvement in first time fill rates from mid-30%’s to 80+%.

Improved inventory accuracy from $1.7 million loss to less than $0.1 million loss.

Developed cash flow model enabling cash forecasting and business planning.

Established IT project and priority management system, drastically improving user satisfaction.

Reduced outside auditing costs by 30%.

B & D Marine and Industrial Boilers, Charleston, SC

Vice President of Operations/CFO

2002 - 2006

Oversee and manage all aspects of company finance, financial reporting and analysis, accounting and forecasting, while having responsibility for all of operations and sales & marketing.

Developed, implemented and installed a new Business Planning and Flexible Budgeting system. The company did not have a viable system in place at the time.

Improved financial statement accuracy and analysis by implementing stronger GAAP accounting and accrual accounting methods in the accounting department. Successfully strengthened internal controls and accounting policies and procedures.

Developed and implemented a new daily cash reporting system that provided better interest cost and credit line management.

Negotiated and closed new capital funding for business growth at drastically reduced interest rates.

Reduced Risk Insurance rates by 30% by implementing competitive bidding that included more accurate risk assessment and analysis.

Developed, implemented and managed a new “9-year Catch Up” audit with DCAA to bring the company into compliance with government regulations in relation to government contracts.

Migrated all financial and accounting software and systems from Peachtree to MAS-90. Ensured that all copies of the software were legitimately licensed.

Appointment to the Board of Directors after working for the company in a Vice Presidential role.

RM Engineered Products (M-tec Corporation), North Charleston, SC

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

1992 - 2002

Managed 30+ financial and accounting personnel, supervisors and managers with full accountability for finance, accounting, cash, credit and insurance functions, with operations responsibilities as well.

Successfully converted financials and reporting systems from U.S. based private ownership to conglomerate reporting requirements that were located in the United Kingdom after a buyout in 1993.

Implemented and migrated the finance and accounting system from Wang to MFG-Pro (QAD).

Key figure involved in divestiture activities involving the spin-off of various segments of M-tec Corporation due to a change in investment strategy. Negotiated and closed 12 different agreements.

Performed all of the financial planning involved in the relocation and consolidation of the industrial textiles operation located in Charlotte to RM’s facilities in North Charleston.

Responsible for due diligence and financial negotiations involving a leveraged buyout of RM Engineering and a sister company (Southern Manufacturing) in 1995. Assisted in the creation of M-tec Corporation as the parent/holding company and was promoted to VP and CFO of the new company.

Performed negotiations and due diligence in the acquisition of a $20 million rubber manufacturing company for $2.4 million in 1996. Developed and implemented a 42-point consolidation plan that would integrate the under-performing entity into the M-tec family of companies. Prior to purchase the company posted a loss of $2 million. M-tec turned the company around within a year and sold it for $16.8 million in the year 2000.

Appointed to the Board of Directors after obtaining the position of CFO.

American Yard Products, Orangeburg, SC

Roper Corporation, Kankakee, IL

Financial Management and Accounting

1983 - 1992

Developed, implemented and maintained a cash management and tracking system.

Migrated all company departments to the same financial software and ensured that all copies were legitimately licensed.

Responsible for financial audits and working directly and coordinating efforts with a major public accounting firm.

Developed and implemented a new set of procedures involving the reconciliation of perpetual records to the general ledger.

Successfully reduced the level of inventory busts from $1.5 million to less than $100,000 on an inventory totalling $100 million.

Managed all financial and accounting operations. Responsible for performing due diligence involving a proposed buyout by prospective buyers Whirlpool and General Electric. Performed a key role in presenting the company to these potential buyers.

Extensive involvement in the production sector performing such financial activities as financial reporting and analysis of expenditures, manufacturing variances and inventory levels. Also performed production roles in the plant, as well as sales & marketing and operations role in the $50 million Repair Parts Division.

EDUCATION AND OTHERS

University of St. Francis, Joliet, IL

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Marketing

Graduated with high honors

Training

Completed the Dale Carnegie Training Course

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