Jim Sumner
About Jim Sumner
Jim Sumner serves as the Senior Director of Global Quality & Safety at Spectrum Brands' HPC Division, bringing extensive experience in quality management across various industries. His background includes leadership roles at Euro-Pro, Cycling Sports Group, and HoMedics, as well as a 20-year career as a Submarine Qualified Nuclear Officer in the U.S. Navy.
Current Role at Spectrum Brands
Jim Sumner currently serves as the Senior Director of Global Quality & Safety at Spectrum Brands, specifically within the HPC Division. He has held this position since 2019, contributing over five years of experience in quality management and safety operations. His role involves overseeing quality assurance processes and ensuring compliance with safety standards across the division.
Previous Experience in Quality Management
Before his current role, Jim Sumner held various positions in quality management across multiple organizations. He worked at Euro-Pro as Vice President of Corporate Quality from 2007 to 2009 and at Cycling Sports Group as Vice President of Global Quality from 2009 to 2013. Additionally, he served as the Global Director of Quality Systems at HoMedics from 2013 to 2017, where he focused on enhancing quality systems within the organization.
Educational Background
Jim Sumner studied Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from 1974 to 1978. He furthered his education at the Naval Postgraduate School, where he obtained a Master of Science in Financial Management from 1985 to 1987. This educational foundation supports his extensive career in quality management and operational excellence.
Military Service and Leadership
Jim Sumner served in the United States Navy for 20 years, where he was a Submarine Qualified Nuclear Officer. His military career included serving aboard four submarines, which provided him with leadership experience and technical expertise. This background contributes to his ability to manage quality and safety operations effectively.
Expertise in Quality Improvement Methodologies
Jim Sumner is trained as a Six Sigma Black Belt, having received his training at GE Appliance and GE Industrial Systems. He specializes in adapting Six Sigma methodologies to enhance quality in manufacturing processes. His expertise includes developing systems of metrics for actionable decision-making and managing quality operations for companies with manufacturing facilities in various countries.