Dr Don Fleet’s role involves ‘putting the outputs of research into practice’ by working closely with partner companies to tailor and deploy IfM’s research-based methodologies via collaborative projects. Don also co-leads IfM’s training courses on Manufacturing Footprint Strategy.

In his role as Industrial Associate, Don assists clients in corporate-level strategic development in Manufacturing footprint strategy – including roadmapping, make-or-buy, global network design and strategy into action.

Don joined IfM in a research role in 2002 before transitioning to become an Industrial Associate working with IfM Engage. Since 2003, he has worked on major collaborations with leading companies including: Beiersdorf, Bombardier, Caterpillar, Electrolux, Emerson, Ferring, Grundfos, Huntsman, IKEA, Invensys, LEGO, Nestlé, Rolls-Royce, RUAG, SABIC, Schneider Electric, Sealed Air, Shell, Signify and Wavin.

Before joining IfM, Don had a 26-year international career in manufacturing and supply chain with Unilever, including both senior operational roles in UK, South Africa and Canada, and UK-based coordination roles with responsibilities for a range of countries.

Don has an MA and PhD from Cambridge and an MBA (with distinction) from Warwick Business School, where his final year dissertation focused on the application of manufacturing strategy approaches in global companies. He is a co-author of “Making the Right Things in the Right Places” and a number of academic papers on related topics.