Bernie Stratton

Background

About Bernie Stratton

36 years' experience from R&D through plant technical support, project management, plant supervision and general ops management. I started out with ICI in their Dulux Paints Division in the UK and gradually transitioned over time into full-time Operational roles. I have managed a range of Chemical plants both in the UK and US making specialty chemicals, personal care and food ingredients, and including the following functional responsibilities: Operations, Maintenance, QA/QC, EHS (and Process Safety), HR, Logistics, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering. I am a Six Sigma Black Belt and qualified in Operations (inc CI/Lean), with 25 years experience of successfully applying Lean & Six Sigma tools and methodologies. I have managed capital projects up to $40MM. I currently lead the Manufacturing Excellence function for Vantage Specialty Chemicals, which includes Capex, QA/QC, CI & Lean, PSM & Process Engineering and manufacturing Best Practice responsibilities for the company. My leadership style has always featured a strong focus on growing and developing the people and creating the climate for positive culture change, based on the principles of continuous improvement and Legitimate Leadership. I also have significant experience in EH & S to include COMAH, PSM, ISO14001, Hazard Study / LOPA and behavior based safety. My approach is as Steve Jobs put it;"Stay hungry, stay foolish"(Never be satisfied, always have fun).