Christopher Pietrzak

Recruited to rebuild Specialized helmet business from the ground up and bring innovation to the business as a whole outside of helmets.  Evaluated each aspect of the helmet business:  Team, product, suppliers, budgets, spend, production, logistics and sales while working cross functionally across each department lead a successful revitalization of the business within 2 years.

Also in charge of the Advanced Innovation group and Rider Protection group to bring new ideas to reality.  The main purpose is to create new revenue streams within the company to diversify and give new perspective to the cycling community. 

Executive Team member comprised of CEO, CFO, CTO and Head of Sales.  Tasked with strategically positioning MIPS to handle the extreme growth and ensure the day to day operations align with the companies long term goals.

Organized the R&D and Product Implementation Departments to interface with clients and internal teams effectively and efficiently while fostering creativity and product innovation.

Project managed and launched 4 new product lines in 2 years to address holes in the product portfolio.

Rebuilt the R&D department to ensure effective communication and efficiency were maintained both within the team, inter-departmentally and externally.  Implemented a repeatable ROI analysis of all projects current and forecasted to take into account resource allocation, CapEx, and budgetary allowances.  

Within the first six months I successfully revamped and launched a $24 million dollar project which was 1.5 years behind schedule.

Lead both the US and Asian Advanced Concepts teams towards product solutions that strategically fit within each of the 4 key helmet brands and category brand plans.  Quickly identified opportunities in materials, geometry, construction, manufacturability and other new technologies applicable in product lines.  Assembled internal and external teams and lead concepts from start through validation testing in a manufacturing environment.

Fostered innovation - looked beyond the norm in developing new product or practices and embraced the necessary change.

Managed Project Complexity - Executed minor and major platform level projects from start to finish.

Provided leadership - Took ownership of projects.  Decisive while considering the overall project and resources involved.  Took a global consideration of each decision and action.

Problem solving - Effectively analyzed all aspects of a problem, gathering necessary data, consulting others, making an informed decision and communicating it to the appropriate people.

Intellectual Property - Ensured proper protection with internal and external legal teams.

Developed product at the forefront of new industry technologies as they could be applied towards helmets while conducting cost benefit analysis of each project before applying resources. I was the main contact for establishing and maintaining relationships with internal and external resources and represented Advanced Concepts in high level executive meetings.  

Spearheaded and orchestrated the successful launch of the new Mountain Products division of Easton.  Reported directly to the President while responsible for establishing Easton Mountain Products as a high-technology brand in the outdoor industry.  Created and executed overall strategy, marketing plan, inventory forecast, and product category direction to solidly established the category in the market within three years.

New position created specifically for my skill set in helmet development.  Tasked with resolving helmet production and certification issues as well as ski glove and trekking pole development.  Successfully transferred production to qualified suppliers and established a reliable supply chain.

3D modeling and design using Pro-Engineer and Wildfire I designed structural injection molded plastic components with aesthetic appeal, created manufacturing tool design layout for product, interfaced with suppliers and factories to ensure production schedules were met, performed impact testing of bicycle helmets and components to meet different global safety standards.