Paul Knutson
Vice President Human Resources at Otter Tail Corporation- Claim this Profile
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Bio
Doug Fehr, CFA
Paul quickly grasped the real problems our business faced in human capital and culture. He identified both quick hit and longer term opportunities for improvements and provided a path to achieve these goals. His engagement was effective due to his personal approach and his attention to detail.
Geri Mason
Paul is a dedicated human resources executive with expertise that spans not only traditional HR but also strategic planning and organizational development. I recommend Paul to organizations that are seeking a highly knowledgeable and capable business leader.
Doug Fehr, CFA
Paul quickly grasped the real problems our business faced in human capital and culture. He identified both quick hit and longer term opportunities for improvements and provided a path to achieve these goals. His engagement was effective due to his personal approach and his attention to detail.
Geri Mason
Paul is a dedicated human resources executive with expertise that spans not only traditional HR but also strategic planning and organizational development. I recommend Paul to organizations that are seeking a highly knowledgeable and capable business leader.
Doug Fehr, CFA
Paul quickly grasped the real problems our business faced in human capital and culture. He identified both quick hit and longer term opportunities for improvements and provided a path to achieve these goals. His engagement was effective due to his personal approach and his attention to detail.
Geri Mason
Paul is a dedicated human resources executive with expertise that spans not only traditional HR but also strategic planning and organizational development. I recommend Paul to organizations that are seeking a highly knowledgeable and capable business leader.
Doug Fehr, CFA
Paul quickly grasped the real problems our business faced in human capital and culture. He identified both quick hit and longer term opportunities for improvements and provided a path to achieve these goals. His engagement was effective due to his personal approach and his attention to detail.
Geri Mason
Paul is a dedicated human resources executive with expertise that spans not only traditional HR but also strategic planning and organizational development. I recommend Paul to organizations that are seeking a highly knowledgeable and capable business leader.
Credentials
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Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
LinkedInMar, 2021- Sep, 2024 -
NACD Fellow
National Association of Corporate DirectorsOct, 2016- Sep, 2024
Experience
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Otter Tail Corporation
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United States
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Utilities
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100 - 200 Employee
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Vice President Human Resources
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Sep 2012 - Present
As the Chief Human Resource Officer, I report to the CEO, lead a team of 29 across 5 companies, serve on the Executive Leadership Team, support and advise the Compensation/HCM and Corporate Governance Committees of the Board of Directors, manage a $60 million benefits budget and facilitate the corporate strategic planning process.Our MissionOtter Tail Corporation delivers value by building strong electric utility and manufacturing platforms.• For our shareholders we deliver above average returns through operational excellence and growing our businesses.• For our customers we commit to quality and value in everything we do.• For our employees we provide an environment of opportunity with accountability where people are valued and empowered to do their best work.Today at Ottertail Corporation, I am proud of the work we have done in• building a world class leadership development program,• organizational effectiveness as we create and sustain Predictable Success ™,• robust succession planning,• improving bench strength,• executive compensation alignment and design,• employee engagement,• diversity, equity and inclusion…all leading to a dynamic and fulfilling organization to join and thrive in your career.
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University of Nebraska Medical Center
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Higher Education
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700 & Above Employee
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Division Director of Strategic Staffing, Compensation, Records & HRIT
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Sep 2011 - Sep 2012
Hired to succeed HR leader upon retirement, led staffing, compensation management, HR technology and records. Hired to succeed HR leader upon retirement, led staffing, compensation management, HR technology and records.
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Knutson & Associates
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United States
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Software Development
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1 - 100 Employee
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President, HR Consulting, Employee Compensation, HR Strategy
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2009 - Sep 2012
Knutson & Associates provided human resource management, total rewards and strategic planning consulting services. Also started, developed, operated, owned and sold Stratus Building Solutions of Omaha and Stratus Building Solutions of Kansas City, a commercial cleaning companies with 45 franchisees. Knutson & Associates provided human resource management, total rewards and strategic planning consulting services. Also started, developed, operated, owned and sold Stratus Building Solutions of Omaha and Stratus Building Solutions of Kansas City, a commercial cleaning companies with 45 franchisees.
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Oriental Trading Co.
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Qatar
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Machinery Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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Vice President, Human Resources, Corporate Communications and Facilities
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2001 - 2008
Reporting to the CEO, hired as Vice President Human Resources to transform the HR function to enable dramatic growth. As the company doubled its sales, doubled employee productivity and tripled its market value, a high performing, results oriented, strategic HR function was developed to support this growth, with increased HR capabilities and decreased staff. Led corporate communications, corporate-wide facilities management, safety and security for this 3,000 employee catalog & internet retailer.• Initiated progressive systems and programs to increase organizational performance and effectiveness, including talent management, performance management, pay for performance, employee engagement, leadership / employee development, onboarding and workforce planning.• Implemented cost reduction efforts that reduced HR staffing levels, reduced system-wide recruiting expense, contained benefit expenses substantially below norms, and reallocated compensations dollars to increase ROI of the compensation expenditure (pre-recession activities).
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President | HR Consulting, Employee Compensation, HR Strategy
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1999 - 2000
Advised client companies on employee compensation, developed market-driven pay plans and performed compensation strategy and analytical consulting. Clients were in biotech, manufacturing, telecommunications and financial services. Advised client companies on employee compensation, developed market-driven pay plans and performed compensation strategy and analytical consulting. Clients were in biotech, manufacturing, telecommunications and financial services.
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Pamida Inc.
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United States
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Retail
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SVP, Human Resources and Organizational Development
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1994 - 1999
Reporting to CEO, recruited to lead HR and guide organizational change through talent upgrading, market re-positioning and rebuilding of infrastructure. Oversaw human resources, organizational development, public/customer relations and legal functions in this 7,500 employee, general merchandise retail company.• Initiated and directed company-wide transformation process and organizational effectiveness strategy that institutionalized leadership principles, and drove a culture of accountability, customer responsiveness and empowerment.• Led transition team when acquired by ShopKo.
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Lands' End
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United States
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Retail Apparel and Fashion
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1 - 100 Employee
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Mgr., Compensation, Benefits, HRIS
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1992 - 1994
Reporting to SVP HR, hired into new position to control healthcare costs and guide a strategic realignment of all compensation and benefits programs in this 6,400 employee, multi-channel retailer. Lands’ End was a repeat winner of “100 Best Places to Work.”• Restructured health insurance program for 25% savings.• Designed comprehensive international benefit strategy for new UK operation. • Redesigned or implemented new benefits plans (healthcare, LTD, PTO, 401(k), FSA), compensation plans (job evaluation, pay grades, stock grants and options, deferred compensation, bonus), and a new HRIS (Genesys).
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Education
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University of Nebraska at Omaha
MS, Industrial/Organizational Psychology -
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Concordia College
BA, Psychology
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