BBK Expands U.S. Operations Practice

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- BBK, the international business advisory firm, today announced a major commitment to the expansion of its operations advisory services with the addition of two highly-experienced managing directors. Bill May joins BBK's Operations Practice as a managing director in the Southeast region, and Jack Graff joins Performance Improvement LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BBK, as a managing director based in Southfield, Michigan.  

"As demand in the manufacturing industry continues to rebound and grow, BBK is increasingly well-positioned to help companies and their supply bases improve operational performance, reduce cost and increase profitability," said Bill Diehl, chief executive officer of BBK. "The vast experience of both May and Graff will complement our existing team in the Southeast and Midwest regions.  As our clients' demands evolve we continue to remain responsive to their needs by ensuring we have the right resources to provide innovative, high-value solutions that deliver a significant return on investment."

Bill May
Beginning April 1 as managing director, Bill May will help support growth in the Southeast as a senior member of BBK's operations team located in Nashville, Tenn. In this role, May will utilize his supply risk expertise by providing clients with operational and organizational assessments, manufacturing floor efficiency improvements and cost reduction methodologies.

"Bill is very well-established in the region and brings to BBK his unique combination of hands-on floor management experience with executive-level presence," said Keith Updike, managing director of BBK's Southeast region.  "The positive business environment in the Southeast U.S. and the recent trend toward on-shoring of manufacturing operations creates an outstanding business opportunity for BBK to grow our client base in this region."

May has extensive international expertise in performance improvement, plant management and new product launches.  Prior to BBK, he served as Plant Manager of General Motor's Spring Hill Manufacturing Complex, one of its largest North American manufacturing facilities.  Previously, Bill served in several positions with GM domestically and internationally, including executive director of global powertrain manufacturing engineering.

May holds a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from Eastern Michigan University.

Jack Graff
As managing director of Performance Improvement LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of BBK, Jack Graff brings nearly 40 years of global operations experience, at both the OEM and Tier I levels.  Jack most recently served as vice president of manufacturing and quality at CODA Automotive. Previously, Graff held leadership positions at Mubea and General Motors where he focused on global operations, manufacturing management and operational efficiency.

"Jack is the type of leader that can spearhead turnarounds and help companies improve their performance and enhance profitability," said Guy Morgan, president of Performance Improvement LLC and managing director of BBK's global operations group. "We're excited to have him on board.  Jack is another key addition to our performance improvement group.  His well-established and positive reputation in the industry will play an integral part in many of our manufacturing operations performance improvement based engagements."  

Graff holds a bachelor's degree in engineering and business law, as well as a master's degree in manufacturing from Kettering University.

About BBK
BBK is an industry-leading business advisory and performance improvement firm that partners with clients to drive performance, spur growth and increase profitability.  BBK's business solutions solve complex financial challenges and improve operations through a strategic approach that is client-centered, process-driven, fully-integrated and focused on results.  BBK's seasoned, executive teams bring years of knowledge and experience implementing industry best practices that have built BBK's reputation for a sense of urgency, excellence and outstanding results. Manufacturing clients consistently realize five to ten times ROI on the cost of BBK services. 

BBK and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Performance Improvement LLC, are headquartered in Southfield, Mich., and serve clients globally. For more information on BBK or Performance Improvement LLC, please visit www.e-bbk.com.

CONTACT: Amy Hawkinson at (312) 729-3647

SOURCE BBK