Gerald Simpson
Beijing
Summary
Having extensive sales and marketing experience in the automotive industry across Europe, China (including Taiwan), and the UK, I consistently deliver exceptional results. My track record of accomplishments includes strategy development, portfolio planning, product set-up, pricing, and volume planning, always with a key focus on customer satisfaction and profitability. I possess strong leadership skills and am adept at managing teams and fostering cross-functional cooperation.
Overview
26
26
years of professional experience
Work History
NEV Strategy Manager
Volkswagen China Investment Company
07.2024 - Current
- Mentored junior team members, providing guidance on best practices and professional development opportunities.
- Optimized resource allocation through rigorous budget management and cost control measures.
- Aligned company objectives with employee performance metrics, driving accountability and productivity improvements across the organization.
- Designed innovative solutions to complex business problems, resulting in improved customer satisfaction levels.
- Built strong relationships with key stakeholders, fostering collaboration and alignment across the organization.
- Enhanced competitive positioning by conducting in-depth industry analysis and identifying key trends.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to improve accuracy in forecasting and planning efforts.
- Identified potential risks and developed mitigation plans, minimizing negative impacts on project timelines or budgets while maximizing overall success rates of initiatives undertaken.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Set aggressive targets for employees to drive company success and strengthen motivation.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
Head of Product Marketing Small
SkodaAuto
07.2019 - 06.2024
- Demonstrated strong leadership skills through effective task prioritization in department operations
- Successfully oversaw the leadership and performance management of a 9-member team.
- Steered product strategy for Fabia, Scala, Kamiq, Karoq, Citigo iV, Rapid Russia ensuring global product definition, range line-up and engine offer. Executed lifecycle measures and devised special edition models to optimize volumes and project pricing.
- Collaborated cross-functionally to improve customer feedback for Small cars and worked closely with departments such as platform, design, development, and quality.
- Increased profitability and improved feasibility by reducing complexity in A00, AO, and A-Entry products.
- Coordinated and represented VP for Forum Material Cost process and Skoda brand EU colour strategy across all car lines.
- Led product marketing efforts for new Global products, ASEAN Strategy, and expansion into untapped markets
- Managed product marketing responsibilities for new International & India products during early phases at HQ.
- Conducted competitive analysis to identify market trends, threats, and opportunities for differentiation.
- Led market research initiatives to identify new opportunities and inform product development strategies.
- Managed successful product launches, ensuring timely delivery and coordination across multiple departments.
- Streamlined internal communication for better cross-functional collaboration, resulting in more efficient product launches.
- Collaborated closely with the engineering team during product development stages providing essential input from a marketing standpoint.
Senior Manager Product Marketing
SAIC Skoda
08.2016 - 06.2019
- Achieved successful management of a 20-member team, with strong emphasis on efficient task prioritization and adherence to budget constraints.
- Defined portfolio strategy, engine strategies, and modular strategies.
- Optimized product pricing, positioning, and model definition to streamline the product lifecycle management
- Implemented effective volume planning techniques for long-term success in both engine and heavy items
- Delivered comprehensive presentations on China products to board of management.
- Utilized market research data and industry trends to inform and execute product improvements.
- Provided strong leadership to enhance team productivity and morale.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones and deliver high-quality results.
- Improved team performance by providing comprehensive training and fostering a collaborative work environment.
- Collaborated closely with peers from other departments to drive organizational success jointly as one cohesive unit.
- Reduced costs, optimized resource allocation, and improved efficiency in managing projects.
- Demonstrated exceptional adaptability in navigating complex situations or rapidly changing environments with ease.
- Conducted performance evaluations, compensations and hiring to maintain appropriate staffing requirements.
- Balanced competing priorities efficiently while maintaining focus on critical tasks requiring immediate attention.
- Consistently met or exceeded annual performance targets set by senior leadership.
- Managed budgets effectively, achieving financial objectives while maintaining strict control over expenditures.
- Led market analysis efforts to identify emerging trends, informing strategic decision-making and future investments.
- Established team priorities, maintained schedules and monitored performance.
- Defined clear targets and objectives and communicated to other team members.
- Leveraged data and analytics to make informed decisions and drive business improvements.
- Accomplished multiple tasks within established timeframes.
Director Strategy & Planning
Volkswagen Taiwan
01.2015 - 07.2016
- Spearheaded the setup of NSC and department, ensuring smooth transition from previous private operation.
- Managed and supervised a team of 4 employees
- Led product strategy and portfolio planning, including NEV.
- Conducted product pricing and positioning analysis, defined model specifications, and planned product lifecycle for various special editions.
- Utilized market research techniques to gain valuable insights into customer behavior
- Analyzed market performance and competitor data
- Managed the planning, co-ordination, and execution of new vehicle launches
- Planned and managed inventory levels for short and long term, including monitoring of key performance indicators.
- Managed strategy and planning budget.
- Resolved staff member conflicts, actively listening to concerns and finding appropriate middle ground.
- Developed a strong company culture focused on employee engagement, collaboration, and continuous learning opportunities.
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics.
Senior Product Marketing Manager
Volkswagen China Investment Company
06.2012 - 12.2014
- Managed a product team consisting of 18 individuals
- Developed and executed product strategy and portfolio planning for Volkswagen Group in China
- Implemented group pricing strategy for specific focus on Volkswagen and Skoda brand models
- Implemented modular approaches to optimize sales results.
- Managed and coordinated the product alignment process between Joint Ventures and Head Office.
- Managed product marketing budget effectively.
Senior Manager Product Strategy
FAW-Volkswagen
10.2009 - 05.2012
Aftersales Development Manager
Volkswagen Group UK Ltd (Volkswagen CV)
01.2007 - 09.2009
Product Manager
Volkswagen Group UK Ltd.
10.2003 - 12.2006
Operations Development Manager
Volkswagen Group UK Ltd.
09.2000 - 09.2003
Graduate Trainee
Volkswagen Group UK Ltd.
10.1998 - 08.2003
Education
BTEC Professional Development Diploma in Management Studies -
European college of business & management, London, uk
01.2001
BTEC Professional Development Certificate in Management Studies -
European Vocational college, London, uk
01.1999
BscHons International Business & Modern languages -
Aston university, birmingham, uk
01.1998
Skills
- MS Powerpoint incl Think Cell
- MS Excel
- MS Word
- DIVE
- Product Strategy
- Project Planning
- Project planning and development
- Strategic Planning
- Staff Management
- Advanced problem solving
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Coaching and Mentoring
Languages
Bi-lingual in English & German
Leadership Experience
- 2017 Appointed to Upper Management Circle (OMK)
- 2009-2010 Successfully completed the Volkswagen AG International Management Programme (IMP)
- 2007-2008 Management Practitioner Award, Institute for Leadership & Management
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
NEV Strategy Manager
Volkswagen China Investment Company
07.2024 - Current
Head of Product Marketing Small
SkodaAuto
07.2019 - 06.2024
Senior Manager Product Marketing
SAIC Skoda
08.2016 - 06.2019
Director Strategy & Planning
Volkswagen Taiwan
01.2015 - 07.2016
Senior Product Marketing Manager
Volkswagen China Investment Company
06.2012 - 12.2014
Senior Manager Product Strategy
FAW-Volkswagen
10.2009 - 05.2012
Aftersales Development Manager
Volkswagen Group UK Ltd (Volkswagen CV)
01.2007 - 09.2009
Product Manager
Volkswagen Group UK Ltd.
10.2003 - 12.2006
Operations Development Manager
Volkswagen Group UK Ltd.
09.2000 - 09.2003
Graduate Trainee
Volkswagen Group UK Ltd.
10.1998 - 08.2003
BTEC Professional Development Diploma in Management Studies -
European college of business & management, London, uk
BTEC Professional Development Certificate in Management Studies -
European Vocational college, London, uk
BscHons International Business & Modern languages -
Aston university, birmingham, uk
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