The Ducker Worldwide team is unmatched consisting of research professionals, strategy consultants and financial experts. The cross-functional expertise of the Ducker Worldwide team spans a broad service spectrum though converges on a common mission: to help clients explore market opportunities, understand the facts and build bold strategies which create value in complex markets. Please meet Ducker Worldwide’s Global management team below.
Board of Directors:
Scott Ulnick, Chairman and Managing Principal
Joanne Ulnick, CEO and Managing Principal
Philippe Bourrat, Managing Principal
Christopher Fisher, Managing Prinicpal
Jochen Kemnitz, Managing Principal
Nick Limb, Managing Principal
Bjorn Kayser, Managing Principal
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North America Management Team
Europe Management Team
Asia Management Team
North America Management Team
M. Scott Ulnick
Board Member, Chairman and Managing Principal
Insights
Mr. Ulnick is Chairman and Managing Partner of Ducker Worldwide. Mr. Ulnick routinely consults leading industry and investment concerns on growth strategy, operations, product development and marketing initiatives. In this role, he participates in up to 100 projects annually, ranging from OEM to supplier to material issues, and covering functional topics including: growth strategy, product development, investment M&A and capital restructuring. Mr. Ulnick also leads our financial advisory practice and actively participates as an advisor throughout the transaction and due diligence process. His expertise includes involvement in several large transactions both buy- and sell-side.
Expertise
Alongside Mr. Ulnick’s advisory insight, additional qualifications include expertise in automotive, on-off highway vehicles, powersports, aerospace, consumer durables, electrical/electronics, infotainment and metals/materials. Mr. Ulnick has extensive research expertise in technical disciplines including buyer behavior analysis, competitive intelligence, due diligence analysis, business-to-business customer satisfaction measurement, benchmarking, forecasting/modeling, market size and growth analysis.
Foundation
Mr. Ulnick serves on the board of the Society of Automotive Analysts. Mr. Ulnick joined the firm in 1990 following a career with Unisys Corporation where he held positions in marketing, product development and program management. Mr. Ulnick also held the role of Business Research Specialist with Mead Data Central. He holds a Bachelor degree in Business from Michigan State University and an MBA in Industrial Management from Michigan State University’s Executive Program.
Joanne Ulnick
Board Member, CEO and Managing Principal
Insights
Ms. Ulnick brings a unique perspective to all client engagements at Ducker Worldwide after over 20 years of experience in research and strategy development. Ms. Ulnick began her career with the company as an industry research analyst and now serves on the Ducker Worldwide Board of Directors while maintaining her role as CEO and Managing Partner. Her career includes long-term global client relationships spanning nearly a quarter-century. Ms. Ulnick also co-leads our proprietary strategy planning system practice, StrategyPATHS®.
Expertise
Ms. Ulnick has particular expertise in construction equipment, off -road vehicles, chemicals materials, industrial products and safety and security systems. She is actively involved in 100+ projects annually. Specific areas of focus include buying behavior analysis, competitive intelligence, due diligence analysis, customer analysis, benchmarking, strategy development and execution.
Foundation
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Ulnick served as marketing manager for a leading business products company and research analyst for a leading human resources consulting firm. She is an active participant in the American Marketing Association, the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals, the Business Marketing Association, The Institute for the Study of Business Markets, and the Laubach Literary Society. She serves on the Michigan State University Marketing Leadership Advisory Board, Oakland Family Services Advisory Board of Trustees and The Academy of the Sacred Heart Board of Trustees. Ms. Ulnick’s philanthropy work includes The William Beaumont Hospital Foundation and Friends of Oakland Family Services. Ms. Ulnick was one of 10 recipients of the 2007 Top Ten Michigan Business Women, Global Business Award, from the National Association of Women Business Owners. She holds a Bachelor degree in Business Administration from Michigan State University.
Christopher Fisher
Board Member and Managing Principal
Insights
As Managing Partner and Director of Business Development at Ducker Worldwide, Mr. Fisher has widened the scope of all of Ducker Worldwide’s business development activities. This internal role translates into innovative strategies for our clients and keeps Mr. Fisher on the leading edge of business to business marketing techniques and technologies.
Expertise
Mr. Fisher has extensive experience in market development and strategic planning. With a strong foundation in industrial market research, he is an expert in services such as market profiling, segmentation, opportunity analysis, product positioning/launch and competitive benchmarking. Additional expertise resides in HVAC and energy efficient materials as well as valuable international market experience throughout Europe and Asia.
Foundation
Mr. Fisher holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Business Management from Purdue University along with a Master of Business Administration in International Economics from Indiana University. His MBA involved a core concentration in economic strategic concerns in industrial applications. Prior to joining Ducker Worldwide, Mr. Fisher served as Director of Market Development for FKI, plc.
Nick Limb
Board Member and Managing Principal
Insights
Mr. Limb has worked with dozens of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, associations, and publishers associated with flat glass and fenestration products to build an understanding of markets and to assist in strategic market decision making. He leads Ducker’s fenestration industry research practice.
Expertise
Mr. Limb also co-leads Ducker’s construction industry practice, and in particular, he focuses on the fenestration sector including residential and commercial glass/glazings, windows, doors and energy efficient products including solar and photovoltaic components and systems. His expertise encompasses market forecasting and demand modeling, channel strategy, acquisition analysis, brand positioning and competitive benchmarking as well as new product development and innovation feasibility.
Foundation
Mr. Limb worked for Pilkington Plc for fifteen years in various sales and marketing management positions, including Global Market Management responsibility for the residential window market prior to joining Ducker Worldwide. He speaks frequently at industry forums including Glass Week, AAMA, WDMA and IGMA, and contributes articles to many journals and industry publications. Mr. Limb holds a Bachelor of Arts degree and Master of Arts degree in Economics from Cambridge University, England.
Peter McGreevy
Principal
Insights
Mr. Mc Greevy has been involved in the research and consulting business for over 20 years and currently holds the title of Managing Director, Ducker China. Peter leads projects involving the Chinese and other Asian markets ranging from market entry and growth planning to product ideation and innovation studies. In addition, Mr. McGreevy is actively involved in the internal management and growth initiatives for Ducker Worldwide.
Expertise
Peter has extensive research expertise in technical disciplines including buyer behavior analysis, competitive intelligence, business-to-business customer satisfaction measurement, forecasting/modeling, new product commercial feasibility analysis, technology trend analysis, emerging market analysis and image assessment. Industries of particular expertise include auto and truck components, building and construction products, heavy construction equipment, consumer products and services as well as healthcare and human services.
Foundation
As part of his role in China, Mr. McGreevy is a member of the American Chamber of Commerce and serves on the steering committee for the Automotive and Transportation sub-committee. Mr. McGreevy holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Michigan State University as well as a Master’s of Science degree in Finance from Walsh College. He practices continuing education and has had extensive course work in information technology and communications management.
Scott Shober
Principal
Insights
Mr. Shober’s 15 year career at Ducker Worldwide brings extensive consulting experience across the building materials, industrial and energy sectors. He is a practice leader for Ducker’s Voice of the Customer programs and has developed innovative research techniques in response to client needs for new product and technology assessments at multiple points throughout the distribution process. Mr. Shober assists with the internal growth of Ducker by leading continuing education and training programs for the Ducker staff.
Expertise
Mr. Shober has extensive research experience in technology-driven markets, with expertise in new product feasibility/opportunity assessments, competitive insights, strategic planning and merger and acquisition analysis. His industry expertise encompasses the building and construction, energy and industrial market segments.
Foundation
Prior to joining Ducker, Mr. Shober worked as a professional engineer for Montgomery Watson Harza, Inc., an international engineering and consulting firm, where he focused primarily on construction design/build and project management for clients in the oil/gas and automotive industries. In addition to serving as a competitive intelligence trainer for his clients, he speaks frequently at various industry conferences. Mr. Shober holds both a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and a Master of Business Administration in Corporate Strategy from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Nicole McGregor
Principal
Insights
Ms. McGregor’s focuses on assisting key North America based accounts with achieving their global research and strategic growth objectives. Her expertise includes project management in all developed countries as well as emerging markets on every continent. Ms. McGregor is actively involved in the development of the organization’s proven methodologies for studying pricing and merchandizing as well as new product development.
Expertise
Ms. McGregor’s industry expertise includes off-highway and industrial equipment, automotive as well as building and construction. Her experience includes both qualitative and quantitative methodologies such as competitive intelligence, conjoint / discrete choice analysis, Kano analysis, and branding strategy. She is also a trained and experienced focus group moderator.
Foundation
Ms. McGregor holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Prior to joining Ducker Worldwide Ms. McGregor focused on concept testing while working for a leading consumer research firm.
Jamie Bender
Director
Insights
Mr. Bender leads the transaction due diligence portion of Ducker Worldwide’s Advisory practice. Ducker’s market due diligence practice incorporates the voice of customer, as well as competitive intelligence gathering, to assist clients in evaluating potential investments. Mr. Bender’s global team supports pending transactions with comprehensive market due diligence projects. The team has been involved inover 20 potential transactions in the last two years with some transactions exceeding $2 billion in total market value.
Expertise
Mr. Bender has research and strategic planning expertise in the fields of acquisition analysis, technology trend assessment, competitive intelligence, new product feasibility, market size and segmentation analysis and market penetration forecasting. Mr. Bender has focused research experience in a wide range of industrial markets: HVAC, construction, automation, heavy equipment, transportation, and water treatment.
Foundation
Prior to Joining Ducker Worldwide, Mr. Bender worked as a specialist in the carbide tooling and packaging industries. Mr. Bender holds a Master of Science in Finance with honors, from Walsh College, a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from the University of Michigan, with additional undergraduate study undertaken at Trinity College in Carmarthen, Wales.
Katie Janness
Principal
Insights
Ms. Janness’ tenure at Ducker began in the role of industry research analyst. More than 15 years later, her experience in the building material sector is vast. Ms. Janness actively leads growth initiatives for her clients including regional expansion and green positioning strategies, particularly in the areas of metal, solar and life cycle costing. Ms. Janness is also a trained facilitator of strategy, executive interviews and focus groups.
Expertise
Ms. Janness has research and strategic planning expertise in the fields of market profiling, opportunity and feasibility, brand strategy and implications, competitive intelligence and new product feasibility/market opportunity assessments all driving the strategic planning process. She is a building envelope expert with specific focus on roofing, cladding and insulation products.
Foundation
Prior to joining Ducker Worldwide, Ms. Janness managed her own company conducting independent market research initiatives focused on market opportunity assessments for small businesses in the Detroit, Michigan area. Ms. Janness holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad School of Business. In addition, Ms. Janness is a speaker for various industry conferences in the building products arena.
Richard Schultz
Managing Director
Insights
Mr. Schultz leads Ducker Wordwide’s automotive materials practice. He is a past President of Automotive Structures and a past Director of Worldwide Automotive Products for Alcoa in Southfield, MI. He has significant experience in applying the latest aluminum technology to automotive applications and worked directly with the leading materials engineers at each of the OEMs and Tier Ones. Mr. Schultz is widely recognized as one of the world’s leading experts in aluminum technology applications.
Experience
Mr. Schultz’s expertise involves analysis and forecasting of material usage in vehicles including significant input regarding vehicle weight requirements on behalf of material industry participants in North America. Particular areas of focus include competitive intelligence, business problem solving, technology trend forecasting and fact-based consulting.
Foundation
While spending over 30-years at Alcoa, Mr. Schultz held a wide variety of positions, including Manager of Corporate Quality, the General Manager of the Industrial Chemicals Business Unit and the General Manager of Primary Metals and Trading. In addition, he also held a variety of engineering, sales and market research positions. Mr. Schultz holds a Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Pittsburgh. In 1990 he completed extensive course work in Managing Complex Organizations at the M.I.T Sloan School of Business.
Cindy Shannon
Managing Director
Insights
Ms. Shannon has performed business planning functions for clients ranging from small startup companies to non-profit organizations to OEM automotive companies. Ducker clients have benefited from Extended Enterprise activities in which Ms. Shannon has provided financial due diligence and interim CFO functions during periods of significant growth. In the interim CFO role she works closely with top management to establish corporate financial reporting formats and schedules and represents clients in financing activities.
Expertise
Ms. Shannon specializes in preparing budgets, forecasts and business plans as well as situational analyses. Her twenty-eight years of financial expertise combined with operational and general management experience provides a framework for real world analyses catering to each client’s unique situation. Industry experience includes automotive, commercial real estate, non-profit , healthcare, and education.
Foundation
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Shannon owned her own business planning consultancy after working for General Motors, LaSalle Partners, The Community House, and Moreland Communications. Ms. Shannon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Harvard College and an MBA in Finance from Columbia University. She also has served on volunteer boards for William Beaumont Hospital, Detroit Country Day School, Common Ground, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan.
Frederick W.K. Brown
Managing Director
Insights
Mr. Brown is a leader in healthcare business management and consulting in the U.S., Europe and emerging markets. Mr. Brown transforms business plans into profits with proven ability to lead and coach executive teams, develop and implement multifunctional strategy programs and create valued thought capital. Mr. Brown has developed, launched and managed dozens of healthcare product and service lines with more than 50 partners to penetrate global markets. In addition, he has supported and grown pharmaceutical drug portfolios generating $15 billion in annual revenue. Mr. Brown’s capabilities are valued across provider, payor, pharmaceutical and medical product markets.
Expertise
Prior to joining Ducker Worldwide, Mr. Brown spent 30 years in the healthcare industry working in various operating and consulting positions. Most recently, Mr. Brown served as President of Navigator Health Services for Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy, where he led the Healthcare Services Division and was responsible for improving EBITDA by over 25 percent. Before that, Mr. Brown was Global Head of Product Lifecycle Management and Partnering IM, supporting Hoffman LaRoche’s Pharmaceutical and Corporate Divisions. Mr. Brown helped increase Roche’s overall corporate year-on-year profitability by 7% by implementing a new portfolio and partnering strategy. In addition, Mr. Brown implemented new near and off shoring outsourcing organizations, reducing costs 30% while improving service metrics by over 80%. Mr. Brown also founded and led Alkermes, the world’s largest in depo injection company.
As a top healthcare consultant, Mr. Brown served as Executive Vice President of Global Service EMEA for IBM’s Life Sciences Division. Mr. Brown grew the division from less than $1Million to more than $1.2 Billion across 62 countries in Europe, the Middle East and African (EMEA) Markets in three years. Earlier in his career, Mr. Brown was a Partner and co-founded Andersen Consulting’s (Accenture) Pharmaceutical and Medical Products Practice in the United States and Europe.
Mr. Brown is a recognized expert in working across the healthcare value chain to develop and implement winning competitive and operational strategies for his clients. He is a regular speaker at international healthcare conferences and a member of the board of directors of several healthcare companies.
Foundation
Mr. Brown completed his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Geology at Tufts University where he was a National Science Foundation Grant Recipient. He received his Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School. Mr. Brown is Six Sigma and Project Management certified and is Lean trained. He was listed in the Who’s Who International from 2002 – 2004. Mr. Brown is a citizen of the United States and Switzerland and is fluent in both German and English.
Ann Manix
Project Consultant
Insights
Ms. Manix’s career spans corporate management, board and not-for-profit experience providing a unique perspective to client engagements. Ms. Manix previously held the position as President of the Hallen Company, which manufactured and marketed the Screwpull corkscrew globally. Ms. Manix has served as an outside director on a number of NYSE Boards, including Baroid Corporation (BRC), an oilfield company, General Housewares (NYSE) (GHC) which owns the OXO and Chicago Cutlery brands, and NL Industries (NYSE) (NL), a chemical company.
Expertise
Ms. Manix has particular experience in the oil and gas, HVAC, industrial equipment and machine tool industries. Specializing in industrial research, branding and competitive intelligence; Ms. Manix has been influential when partnering with clients in establishing business development strategies and identifying opportunities for growth.
Foundation
Ms. Manix currently serves on the Board of CompX (NYSE) (CIX) which manufactures components for the security, office and marine products industries. As chair of capital fundraising for the Village Women’s Club, she assembled and managed a team to successfully raise $2.7 million for this historic women’s civic organization. She served as President of Friends of Oakland Family Services from 2003-2005, where she directed all fundraising activities for this group of 300 volunteers. She has served on the non-profit boards of: The Houston Area Urban League, Oakland Family Services and Big Sisters of Orange County. Ms. Manix holds a B.A in Political Science from Mt. Holyoke College located in South Hadley, Massachusetts.
David S. Eberly
Managing Director
Insight
Mr. Eberly was Senior Managing Director and co-founder of Beringea LLC. Mr. Eberly directed the activities of Beringea's investment banking practice out of its Farmington Hills (Mich.) and London, England offices. His responsibilities included client management, deal origination, transactional strategy and general departmental oversight. Mr. Eberly also provided Board of Directors-level consulting and advice to clients with regard to overall corporate finance and operational strategy. The firm’s clients included national and multinational organizations drawn from sectors including healthcare, clean technologies, transportation, industrial manufacturing, media and entertainment.
Expertise
Since helping to establish Beringea in 1988, Mr. Eberly directed much of the Firm's growth, with particular emphasis on middle-market transactions for privately-held companies and U.S./European cross-border transactions.
Foundation
Mr. Eberly served on the Board of Directors of Beringea LLC and Beringea Ltd. He also represented Beringea on the boards of its British venture capital trusts, ProVen VCT and ProVen Growth & Income VCT and is a founding shareholder and was a member of the Board of Directors of European Gateway Acquisition Corp. where he coordinated much of the identification and analysis of potential targets for European Gateway's acquisition effort. Mr. Eberly graduated from Miami University (Ohio) with a B.S. in Finance and Management.
Europe Management Team
Philippe Bourrat
Managing Principal & President of Europe
Insight
Mr. Bourrat was instrumental in establishing Ducker’s global footprint and co-founded the Ducker Paris office. Mr. Bourrat serves as a Board Member for Ducker Worldwide and is the President of Ducker’s European business. He is responsible for the management and business development for Ducker Worldwide’s Paris Office.
Expertise
Philippe has proven business-to-business research expertise in customer satisfaction monitoring, competitive positioning, new product acceptance and market size and structure analysis. Industries of particular expertise include materials with emphasis in plastics and aluminum, as well as building and industrial automation. Having just over fifteen years professional experience in industrial marketing in Europe, Mr. Bourrat previously served as co-director of a leading business-to-business consulting firm based in Paris.
Foundation
Philippe is an ESOMAR and AMA member and holds a degree in international business from ICN (University of Nancy) and an MBA from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania. He is in charge of the business-to-business marketing course at the ESSEC MBA program. Philippe is fluent in French, English and Spanish.
Jochen Kemnitz, Partner
Managing Principal & Director of Europe
Insight:
Mr. Kemnitz is Partner and Director of Ducker’s Europe operations and has played a significant role in establishing Ducker Worldwide’s presence in the European market. Having 15 years in industrial market research, Mr. Kemnitz actively leads the Paris office’s transportation practice as well as specializes in building and construction materials, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Expertise:
Mr. Kemnitz’s expertise ranges from building materials, such as windows, ceilings, flooring and wall cladding, to transportation including automotive suppliers, aftermarket, aluminum and other materials. He offers extensive experience in competitive intelligence, strategic positioning, and market size and structure analysis.
Foundation:
Prior to joining Ducker Worldwide, Mr. Kemnitz ran his own precision tool supply company which served major metal working clients in the Ruhr. Mr. Kemnitz graduated from Witten/Herdecke University, Germany with a degree in Economics and Business Administration and attended the E.H.E.S.S in Paris, France. Mr. Kemnitz is a member of SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), and the SIA( Société des Ingénieurs de l'Automobile - French Automotive Engineers Society). He teaches “International Automotive Markets” at the French Petroleum Institute’s Engineering School. Mr. Kemnitz is fluent in German, French and English.
Bartolomej Zakhar
Principal & Director of Quality
Insight:
Mr. Zakhar has over 15 years experience in industrial market research and consulting and is Partner and Director of Quality at Ducker Worldwide in Paris, France. Mr. Zakhar has been instrumental in standardizing communication and operation procedures for Ducker Worldwide’s European offices.
Expertise:
His expertise includes the building and construction industry in addition to automotive and transportation. His background also involves providing business services to banks and insurance companies.
Foundation
Mr. Zakhar is a Doctor of Sociology (Bratislava), has a Masters of Sociology (Paris, La Sorbonne), and a Graduate Degree in Marketing (CNAM). Mr. Zakhar is a French national born in Czech Republic and is fluent in French, Hungarian, Czech and English.
Asia Management Team
Bjorn Kayser
Managing Principal & General Manager Shanghai
Insights
Mr. Kayser has played a pivotal role in the development of the Ducker Worldwide European operations and has been instrumental in the establishment and growth of the Berlin office. Mr. Kayser began the early part of his career at the Ducker Worldwide North America and Paris offices, before permanently locating to Berlin in 2001 where he currently heads management, operations and business development. His wide range of professional and global experiences adds value to each and every client engagement.
Expertise
Mr. Kayser has extensive international research and consulting experience including market entry and product launch strategies, benchmark studies, and market due diligence assessments. Mr. Kayser specializes in business strategy –oriented assessments such as new product and application opportunities, competitive intelligence, market size analysis and market-based selection of M&A candidates. Mr. Kayser’s industry expertise includes automotive components, construction and chemicals.
Foundation
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Kayser worked for Roland Berger International Management Consultants, both in Germany and Brazil, with emphasis on the analysis of new strategic growth opportunities. In addition, he developed a background in financial banking while working for Deutsche Bank AG. He completed his graduate studies in Economics and Business Administration at Witten/Herdecke University, Germany. A citizen of Germany and native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Mr. Kayser is a fluent in English and Portuguese and has working knowledge in French. Mr. Kayser is a member of the Association of German Engineers (VDI)
Madhu Naidu
Managing Director, Bangalore
Insights
Mr. Naidu has been involved in the automotive industry for over 15 years and has particular expertise in business development, emerging markets and vehicle engineering. He is responsible for forming and directing the Ducker Research India office. Further, he heads Ducker’s Automotive Knowledge Center which is a collaboration of multiple team members and disciplines within the Ducker Global Enterprise.
Expertise
Mr. Naidu has extensive experience in product/technology development, engineering, business development in the US and Asia, CAD/CAM/CAE and project management. His research and consulting experience includes competitive intelligence, due diligence analysis, business problem solving, benchmarking, market size and growth analysis, market entry strategy, technology trend forecasting and fact-based consulting.
Foundation
Prior to joining Ducker in 2002, Mr. Naidu worked in various capacities at Ford, General Motors, Onstar and most recently at IBM Consulting. In addition, Mr. Naidu’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to work on two start-ups. He formed Plastic Engineering Company and is the co-founder of Melco Engraving India Private Limited, where he continues to maintain a position on the Board of Directors. He regularly authors thought-leading articles for several publications including: Telematics Evolution will Change the Automotive Landscape, Telematics Update Magazine, July 2001; Telematics Enabled Vehicle Life-Cycle Management, Telematics Update Magazine, March 2002; Telematics Outsourcing – The Silent Money Maker, Telematics Update Magazine, May 2002; Multiple Improvement Curve Effects upon Productivity, AACE Transactions, F 7.1 - 7.6, 1991; Expert System for Manufacturing Process Selection, TMS Conference, February 1991. Mr. Naidu holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering from West Virginia University.