Michael Richards
About Michael Richards
Michael Richards serves as the CEO of Asia Pacific at Arc, a position he has held since 2019. With a strong background in sales, manufacturing, and operations management, he emphasizes the importance of education and problem-solving in achieving business success.
Current Role at Arc
Michael Richards serves as the CEO for the Asia Pacific region at Arc, a position he has held since 2019. Based in Nanjing, Jiangsu, China, he focuses on driving business growth and operational excellence. His leadership emphasizes the importance of customer experience and sales growth strategies tailored to the regional market.
Previous Experience at Husqvarna Group
Before joining Arc, Michael Richards worked at Husqvarna Group as Vice President of Sales & Manufacturing for the Asia Pacific region from 2012 to 2019. During his tenure in Shanghai, China, he was responsible for overseeing sales strategies and manufacturing operations, contributing to the company's regional performance.
Educational Background
Michael Richards earned a Master of Science in Industrial Administration (MSIA) from Purdue University Krannert School of Management, studying Operations Management from 1990 to 1991. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Indiana University Bloomington, where he studied from 1986 to 1990.
Expertise in Lean Manufacturing
Michael Richards has extensive expertise in implementing lean manufacturing techniques across various operational areas, including materials management, procurement, logistics, manufacturing, and research and development. He focuses on educating associates on a data-based approach to improve operations, utilizing methodologies such as Value Stream Mapping and Kaizen.
Commitment to Training and Development
Michael Richards believes in the critical role of people in achieving business success. He dedicates significant time to training others in problem-solving techniques aimed at eliminating root causes of operational issues. His approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement within organizations.