William Kimbro
About William Kimbro
William Kimbro serves as the Global Director of Operational Excellence at Kennametal, a position he has held since 2008. He has extensive experience in operational management and lean enterprise, having previously worked at Eaton and Textron.
Work at Kennametal
William Kimbro has held the position of Global Director Operational Excellence at Kennametal since 2008. In this role, he is responsible for implementing the Kennametal Operating System across all business segments, ensuring consistency and standardization in operational practices. Prior to this role, he served as Global Manager Lean Enterprise from 2003 to 2008, where he focused on Lean methodologies to enhance operational efficiency. His tenure at Kennametal spans over 16 years, during which he has contributed to various initiatives aimed at improving performance and operational excellence.
Previous Experience at Eaton
Before joining Kennametal, William Kimbro worked at Eaton as Divisional Lean Manager from 1999 to 2003. In this role, he focused on Lean management practices to improve operational efficiency within the division. His experience at Eaton contributed to his expertise in Lean methodologies, which he later applied in his roles at Kennametal.
Background in Industrial Engineering
William Kimbro has a solid foundation in industrial engineering, having studied at Tennessee Technology University. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. His educational background has equipped him with the skills necessary to analyze and improve manufacturing processes, which he has applied throughout his career.
Achievements in Operational Excellence
Kimbro has developed a performance evaluation system with distinct levels of achievement: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. This system standardizes and replicates best practices globally. He also led the SMART Factory / Industry 4.0 initiative, which integrates advanced technologies into manufacturing processes. Additionally, he established synergies between Quality, Lean, and Environmental Health and Safety across three global organizations, enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
Career at Textron
William Kimbro worked at Textron as an Industrial Engineer from 1985 to 1999. During his 14 years at Textron, he gained valuable experience in engineering and operational processes, which laid the groundwork for his future roles in Lean management and operational excellence.