In
Buddy Stemple
Profile
Buddy Stemple came to WVU with the intent of being a Chemical Engineer. He even had a Chemistry Scholarship. It took one semester of barely making it through Chemistry that led him to Industrial Engineering. Buddy continued to struggle with the math/science classes, but what he lacked in theoretical knowledge, he more than made up for it with practical experience. He had three internships with what was then Kaiser Aluminum in Ravenswood, WV. His last summer, he was actually a production supervisor. “I really gained a lot of maturity and knowledge of operations at my internships,” Buddy says.
Buddy started his career with Babcock and Wilcox, but was laid off when the economy struggled. Actually this turned out to be a fateful moment in Buddy’s career. The rest of his career has been in the aluminum industry.
Buddy went to work for Alcan. During his time at Alcan, Buddy was in the Industrial Engineering function, but transitioned to Human Resources. One of his assignments was to be the chief negotiator for all labor agreements in North America.
Buddy then transitioned back to operations. He was asked to be the plant manager of the worst plant in Alcan. He was able to turn it around and Alcan started reinvesting in the plant.
Buddy’s first senior executive position was with Novelis. It was also an assignment that involved sales and marketing. “I really learned how to listen to the customer,” Buddy says. One of Buddy’s efforts at Novelis was to implement value pricing where by Novelis could get extra margins on products sold by adding in extra value.
Buddy left Novelis to become the CEO of Oman Aluminum Rolling Company. He did this for close to six years, but it was tough on his family because they didn’t relocate to the Middle East with him.
In April 2014, Buddy returned home and became the CEO of Constellium Aluminum, one of West Virginia’s largest manufacturing employers. His office was where he was an intern in college. This was an opportunity that resulted from a former boss (and mentor) of Buddy’s.
Buddy’s career is one that shows that you don’t need to be strong in math/science to have a great technical career.
Bio
Buddy Stemple is a dynamic, results-oriented business executive with extensive experience in all facets of global manufacturing, as well as spin-off and acquisition integration activities. He has proven success in strategic leadership and effective bottom-line execution. He is skilled in managing international cross-functional teams, analyzing complex situations with a bias toward clear strategies and action, formulating effective decision making structures and leading innovative processes to drive business growth.
Specialties: Expertise includes:
• Strategic & Operational Planning
• Budget & Financial Accountability
• Customer Creation & Loyalty Management
• Product Development & Growth
• Innovation
• Continuous Improvement
International business start up
Middle east experience
Chief executive officer
Experience
April 2014 – Present (2 years 5 months)Ravenswood WV
Constellium Rolled Product Ravenswood is a global supplier to the Aerospace and Transportation markets.
Oman Aluminium Rolling Company
November 2010 – Present (5 years 10 months)Sultanate of Oman
Pathfinfinder Bank Holding Company (NASDAQ:PBHC)
July 2005 – Present (11 years 2 months)
Vice President & General Manager
Novelis
May 2005 – June 2009 (4 years 2 months)
Director of Operations, SPBU
Alcan Aluminum
May 2003 – May 2005 (2 years 1 month)
Works Manager
Alcan Aluminum
November 1999 – May 2003 (3 years 7 months)
Education
McGill University
Masters, Intl Management, International Practicing Management
2002 – 2004
West Virginia University
MBA, Marketing
1985 – 1987
West Virginia University
BSIE, Industrial Engineering
1978 – 1982
