Ken Skiles

Ken Skiles has a diverse work experience spanning several companies and roles. Ken began their career at Dana Corporation in 1989, where they worked their way up through various positions focused on operational excellence and lean manufacturing. Ken also served as the Plant Manager, leading the hands-on reorganization of operations and implementing lean manufacturing systems. In 2007, they joined Mahle as a Plant Manager and then moved on to Reading Truck Body LLC as the Vice President of Manufacturing. In 2008, they returned to Dana Corporation as the Manager of Global Manufacturing Footprint Optimization, where they played a key role in driving the company's lean transformation. Ken also worked at ITT as the General Manager of Kaliburn before joining Lincoln Electric in 2014. At Lincoln Electric, they held the role of Director of Corporate Operational Response and Global Process and Product Improvement, as well as the General Manager of Kaliburn, where they integrated the global business and set up global operations. Ken's work experience highlights their expertise in lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and leadership in driving organizational transformations.

Ken Skiles has a Bachelor's degree in Business and Organizational Development from Indiana Institute of Technology. Ken also studied Industrial Electronics and Controls at Indiana Purdue of Fort Wayne (IPFW). In addition, they attended Dana University in Toledo, OH from 1998 to 2003, where they focused on Operational Excellence, Organizational Development, and Executive Development. Ken Skiles also pursued a Six Sigma Blackbelt program at Villanova University and Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering at The University of Findlay. Ken completed their high school education at Edon High School. Ken Skiles holds certifications in Excellence In Manufacturing/ The Dana Operating System (EIM & DOS) from Dana University and is an ASQ-Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.