R&D Manager of Analytical and Specialty Gases

KEVIN DIX, PH.D.

**** *** ***** ****: 716-***-****

Williamsville, New York 14221 *******@*****.***

SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

Dynamic Research and Development Manager with eighteen years of progressive experience leading diverse teams, improving analytical testing and development methods, and commercializing new products that drive business growth and profitability. Background includes:

• Organizational Leadership • Efficiency Improvement • Analytical Development

• Product Commercialization • Recruiting/Hiring/Staffing • Quality Systems • Laboratory Design & Capabilities • Instrument Development • Six Sigma Methodology

• Oversight of Multiple Locations • Safety & Chemical Hygiene • Project Management

EDUCATION

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

Ph.D. - Analytical Chemistry; GPA: 3.8/4.0 BS - Chemistry; GPA: 3.6/4.0

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

PRAXAIR, Tonawanda, New York 2002 - 2007

Research & Development Manager of Analytical and Specialty Gases Product Development

Manager of core analytical and new product development for Specialty Gases Division. Managed, directed and fully responsible for the operation of 7 laboratories supporting R&D, operations and new product development staffed with 4 Ph.D. professionals and 8 technicians. Core laboratories are ISO9001 certified. Developed and tracked performance to budgets. Implemented initiatives to improve technology, process quality, cost structure, and time to market for new products.

• Commercialized new wireless monitoring technology and sub-ppm reactive mixtures leading to 4 patent applications the first R&D offerings in business section in 20+ years which are forecasted to drive new revenue of $10 million annually.

• Designed detailed 5000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art analytical laboratory and orchestrated move minimizing downtime.

• Developed and executed a $500,000 instrument upgrade plan for corporate laboratory.

• Organized and led first global company analytical consortium - 60 attendees.

• Led new product development projects thru stage-gate review process enabling new revenue streams for the business.

• Re-aligned analytical group to provide efficient lower cost solutions (focused on new product development and product development support).

• Developed a validation protocol for analytical methods through Six-Sigma. Protocol has been adopted as a company standard.

• Utilized outsourcing to provide lower cost analytical solutions saving $100,000 annually.

• Led analytical technology section of Praxair’s Specialty Gases Global Market Network.

• Drove analytical development alignment with profit improving business objectives. Eliminated non-value added activities.

• Directed development of new trace moisture analyzer with instrument manufacturer.

Kevin Dix, Ph.D Page 2

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE (CONTINUED)

BAYER (Formerly Lyondell), S. Charleston, WV & Newtown Square, PA 1999 - 2002

Business Analytical Chemist, Analytical Research & Development Manager

Analytical Manager responsible for two sites: S. Charleston, WV and Newtown Square, PA. Managed analytical technology, contracts and purchasing. Managed, directed and fully responsible for the operations of 7 laboratories, both research and QA, (performing chromatography, spectroscopy, and chemical analysis) staffed with 3 Ph.D. professionals and 5 technicians.

• Completed distinguished Bayer Director Development training (top 0.5% of company employees selected to participate).

• Negotiated analytical services contract reducing costs by $500,000 annually. Implemented analytical services separation plan saving $1 million annually utilizing internal capabilities.

• Organized and led cost saving ($500,000 annual) analytical group move including new laboratory design, downtime management, new safety programs, LCR and PSSR.

• Led analytical effort to leverage value added services with key customer leading to $50 million of annual business.

• Key role on Variation Reduction Continuous Improvement Team nominated for prestigious Bayer's President's Award.

• Co-authored publication presented at the 2000 API Conference - presentation won "Best in Session" award. Performed laboratory work.

• Led new method development in chromatography, Pulsed-NMR, IR, and NIR.

ARCO/LYONDELL CHEMICAL COMPANY, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania 1989 - 1999

Manager of Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (1997 - 1999)

Supervisor of Chromatography (1994 - 1997)

Group Leader of Gas Chromatography (1992 - 1994)

Development Associate, On-line Analysis (1989 - 1992)

In positions of increasing responsibility, established analytical methodologies and utilized them to improve laboratory operations. Founded GLP chromatography laboratory. Led gage R&R studies, performed method validations, wrote SOPs and methods for GLP, and served as a GLP auditor.

• Made worldwide company analytical directives for instrumentation and methodology.

• Negotiated large instrument agreements for plant QC laboratories and other Arco/Lyondell international sites. Cost savings were greater than $1 million.

• Developed several state-of-the-art gas chromatographic separations including: headspace analysis, high-temperature GC, ion-exchange, gel permeation chromatography.

• Served as a member and chairperson of union-management teams and contract negotiations.

• Discovered an important toxic impurity in product process stream leading to a product recall from supermarket shelves, avoiding potential company litigation.

• Led analytical start-up of the Singapore Technical. Installed analytical methods at Texas, St. Croix, Indonesia, and Taiwan facilities.

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