Experience

• 

  Biggins Home

  • Retired

    • Nov 2005 - Present
• 

  International Paper

  • Division Controller - Specialty Pkg. Business

    • Mar 2004 - Dec 2005

    • Provide accounting and analytic support for the 22-plant Specialty Packaging business ($540MM+ in revenue and an asset base of $200MM). • Developed strategic business plans for each of the four market segments (automotive, performance products, graphics, and industrial-based sheet plants). Identified key capital requirements to support plan goals. • Evaluated multiple candidates for acquisition; compiled executive summary of potential acquisitions for IP Vice President.

  • Business Mgr. - Automotive Segment Specialty Pkg.

    • Aug 2000 - Mar 2004

    • Provided market research and analytic support for growing automotive segment reach.• Developed a business plan and cash flow for expansion into China in support of Ford Motor Company’s strategic direction.• Analyzed system benefit of alternative designs to counter competitive threats in one of IP’s larger durable goods customer accounts. • Developed detailed product line analyses to determine optimum mix for effecting a turnaround in a non-producing facility

  • Northeast Region Business Mgr. - US Container Business

    • May 1999 - Aug 2000

    • Provided improved margins and market penetration by selling a value-added packaging approach in concert with our Xpedx Distribution business. • Conducted rollouts between 50 container plants and the Xpedx sales organization.• Increased intracompany business by 20M tons and $5MM+ in margin in the first year as a result of the rollouts.

  • Plant General Manager - US Container Business (Putnam, CT)

    • Dec 1996 - May 1999

    • Successfully overcame a Teamsters’ unionization effort. • Improved volume 12% - 10 percentage points above the industry trend.• Reduced conversion costs 17%; improved productivity 17%. • Increased on-time delivery 7 percentage points (8%). • Achieved Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) Merit certification under the OSHA VPP program on the first application.

  • Plant General Manager - US Container Business (Mt. Carmel, PA)

    • May 1993 - Dec 1996

    Accountable for a $45MM business with responsibility for sales, finance, manufacturing, maintenance, safety, and environmental functions. • Improved earnings $4.5MM annually. • Successfully negotiated union contract after two year holdout.• Grew volume 25%, reduced waste 23%. • Improved safety total incidence rate by 94%. • Reduced lost workdays to 0.• Lowered truck fleet costs 25% per unit sold.

  • Consultant - US Container Business

    • May 1992 - May 1993

    Assigned by the CEO to work with Boston Consulting Group on a throughput improvement project for the Division. Achieved 20% improvement in two pilot plants; methodology subsequently expanded to include an additional 20 plants.

  • Region Controller - Container Business

    • Dec 1988 - May 1992

    • Responsible for the finance/control function in 7 plants, with annual sales of $200MM and an asset base of $100MM+. • Provided operational stream of earnings and conducted financial due diligence process for $15MM plant acquisition; successfully managed the integration of the plant into IP systems.

  • Operations Analysis - Corporate Treasury

    • Apr 1987 - Dec 1988

    • Established methodology for assessing cyclical marketing potential of capital investment opportunities. • Participated in financial due diligence process for $180MM+ acquisition; identified balance sheet exposure, resulting in a significant write-off of assets prior to purchase.

  • VP Finance - Real Estate Subsidiary

    • Apr 1985 - Apr 1987

    • Negotiated $15MM revolving line of credit. • Established customer mortgage financing packages with local banks. • Designed and implemented networked computer system. • Developed and implemented policies and procedures for newly-formed real estate development subsidiary.

  • Mgr. Cost Analysis & Controls - White Papers Business

    • Nov 1983 - Apr 1985

    • Supervised annual standards revision and compilation of mill operating budget ($250MM+).• Responsible for recording and forecasting all aspects of mill production during a period of major capital investment ($500MM+). • Developed data for $30MM+ in insurance claims and participated in successful negotiations for recovery.

  • Mgr. Financial Systems & Controls - White Papers Business

    • Jun 1982 - Nov 1983

    • Responsible for ensuring the adequacy of internal controls. • Designed and implemented computerized wood receiving system. • Managed capital and repair budgeting process, including development, analysis, presentation, and post-performance review.

  • Plant Controller - US Container

    • Dec 1980 - Jun 1982

    • Responsible for establishing and maintaining control over payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, customer invoicing, and standard cost; Annual sales $30MM+. • Supervised month-end close and provided detailed analysis of operational results. • Participated in union negotiations.

  • Sr. Financial Analyst - Corp. Controller's Office

    • Jan 1980 - Dec 1980

    • Provided monthly analysis of Pulp and Paper operations to corporate Vice Chairman. • Analyzed major capital and repair investments and provided executive summaries, including sensitivity analyses and alternative investment options. • Participated in short- and long-term strategic planning processes.

• 

  Mystic Seaport

  • Various Supervisory

    • 1972 - 1978

    Held supervisory positions in education, finance and visitor reception. Developed and administered school study programs; designed curriculum materials for marketing to school systems; hired and trained museum teachers. Conducted research, lectured, and published articles on maritime history. A...