About Us
Business Transformation Consultancy in Canada
About AM Saxum
Our journey began over two decades ago, developing hands-on expertise across a wide spectrum of sectors—from service industries to advanced manufacturing. Today, AM Saxum delivers measurable business impact through two core offerings: Operational Excellence via Lean Six Sigma and Government Funding Solutions, including SR&ED and other grant programs. What truly sets us apart is our ability to align process improvements with financial incentives—enabling clients to partially fund their own transformation. Our consultants—each with over 20 years of cross-industry experience—combine technical rigor with a deep commitment to leadership development and team building. We believe sustainable Lean transformation depends as much on employee engagement and capability as on solution quality. By empowering leaders and developing high-performing teams, we ensure that every project achieves strong buy-in and long-term results.
To date, our integrated approach has generated over $500 million in combined value. We’ve secured millions in non-dilutive government funding with a 96%+ approval rate, while our Lean Six Sigma programs consistently deliver cost savings exceeding 20% of payroll. From initial assessment to full execution, we manage the entire process with minimal disruption—supported by our proprietary SR&ED tracking system for full compliance. Whether your goal is to streamline operations, increase cash flow, or unlock government incentives, AM Saxum is your trusted partner. We don’t just consult—we deliver results.
Our Mission
We grow strong communities each day, by guiding client profits the right way.
Our Values
At AM Saxum, we build high-performance teams by fostering trust, encouraging constructive discussions, driving commitment and accountability, and maintaining a results-driven mindset—all essential to delivering sustainable operational excellence.
Our Vision
To be a global catalyst for operational excellence, empowering organizations to achieve lasting efficiency, resilience, and growth—transforming the way businesses
operate and strengthening the
communities they serve.
Founders' & Leadership Message
At AM Saxum, our mission is to drive measurable results that elevate our clients’ performance and contribute to financially sustainable communities. We believe that lasting business success begins with operational excellence—empowering organizations to thrive, generate employment, and foster economic vitality in the regions they serve.
Our vision is clear: to be a global catalyst for operational excellence, empowering organizations to achieve lasting efficiency, resilience, and growth—transforming the way businesses operate and strengthening the communities they serve. We contribute directly to higher EBITDA, stronger cash flow, and ultimately, increased company value and market competitiveness. Whether privately held or publicly traded, our clients see operational excellence not merely as a cost-saving tool, but as a strategic lever to elevate business valuation.
Our core values—integrity, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement—are embedded in everything we do. With over 20 years of experience, we bring deep industry expertise, a strong local presence, and a minimal-disruption approach to each engagement.
Clients choose AM Saxum for our.
- Industry Specialized Expertise across diverse sectors
- Significant Cost Savings, often exceeding 20% of payroll
- Value Creation through increased cash flow and streamlined operations
- Proven Experience in transformation initiatives
- Local Presence to minimize travel costs and enhance responsiveness
Wherever your company operates, AM Saxum stands ready as your trusted partner in building a leaner, stronger, and more valuable business.
Transform Your Business Today
Meet Our Team
Browse Consultants by Industry of Expertise
Henry Foppoli
P.Eng., MBA, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Henry Foppoli is a seasoned professional in the field of operational excellence and management consulting. As the Managing Partner at AMSaxum, Henry specializes in driving operational excellence through Lean Six Sigma methodologies and assisting clients in accessing government grants to support their business initiatives.
With a strong academic background and professional credentials, Henry brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role. He holds a Professional Engineer designation from the province of Ontario (P.Eng) and completed his Executive MBA at the prestigious Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.
Henry is a Master Black Belt Lean Six Sigma obtaining his accreditation from the Schulich School of Business at York University. This advanced certification underscores his mastery of Lean Six Sigma principles and his ability to lead and mentor teams in process improvement initiatives.
Henry also served as a Lean Six Sigma professor at Sheridan College, where he imparted his knowledge and practical insights to aspiring professionals. His extensive experience spans over two decades, with a focus on implementing Lean Six Sigma projects across various industries globally.
His hands-on involvement in optimizing processes and driving efficiency improvements in multiple sectors provides valuable insights that can inform and enhance operational strategies.
With a track record of delivering impactful results and driving organizational success, Henry Foppoli continues to be a respected leader and thought influencer in the field of operational excellence and management consulting.
Kyle Alkema
B.Sc., B.A., Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Kyle Alkema is a SR&ED Team Specialist at AM Saxum, where, along with his focus on assisting clients with government grants and tax credits programs, he has also developed expertise in operational excellence through Lean Six Sigma methodologies. With a robust educational background, Kyle holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry with a specialization in genetic engineering and biotechnology from McMaster University. This was the first step in his journey into an understanding and embracing of the scientific method. He furthered his academic pursuits with a B.A. in English and Philosophy from Redeemer University College, showcasing his multidisciplinary interests. In addition to his academic achievements, Kyle is accredited with a black belt certificate in Lean Six Sigma from the Schulich School of Business at York University, solidifying his expertise in continuous process improvement methodologies. Leveraging his diverse skill set and nearly ten years of experience, Kyle has helped clients across various industries secure tax credits and government funding. His unique blend of technical knowledge, creative thinking, and scientific acumen enables him to provide solutions tailored to the specific needs and objectives of each client, thereby contributing to their operational efficiency and financial success.
Allyson Friesen
Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
Allyson is a seasoned leader with over two decades of expertise in strategic planning, project management, change management, and process improvement across both public and private sectors. A natural problem-solver and change agent, she excels in identifying process inefficiencies and developing strategies to mitigate challenges, drive innovation, and enhance organizational performance. Allyson’s strength lies in her ability to see the big picture while navigating the details. She specializes in facilitating collaborative, results-driven strategic planning processes, helping organizations develop compelling visions, build engagement strategies, and implement practical solutions. Her expertise includes creating policies, designing training programs, and aligning resources to achieve clear, measurable objectives. Having led numerous projects in municipalities such as Surrey, Richmond, and Coquitlam, as well as at educational institutions such as Langara College and Vancouver Island University, Allyson has successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams to address complex community issues, streamline operations, and drive process improvements. Her experience spans diverse sectors, from local government to healthcare, where she has coached executive-level Lean Six Sigma Green Belts in projects aimed at reducing inefficiencies, such as optimizing patient intake and discharge times. Her approach combines analytical rigor, innovative thinking, and a collaborative mindset, ensuring sustainable, replicable results that enhance performance and outcomes. Allyson's commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence has made her a trusted advisor to both public and private organizations seeking to achieve lasting change.
Edward Valliere
MBA, MS, DMAIC Lean / Six Sigma Black Belt
Ed is a seasoned manufacturing, operations, and supply chain executive with over 30 years of global, multi-site experience across industries such as aviation, computers, energy, medical devices, oil & gas, and telecommunications.
A proud U.S. Air Force Veteran, Ed is a Consulting Partner with AM Saxum Lean /Six Sigma Business Performance Consultancy, a hands-on firm specializing in optimizing business processes.
With three decades of expertise in continuous improvement and over 25 years of implementing lean manufacturing strategies grounded in the Toyota Production System, Ed is also a GE-certified DMAIC Lean/Six Sigma Black Belt, known for his technical expertise and results-driven problem-solving approach.
Ed excels at building strategic relationships across all organizational levels, from the C-Suite to the shop floor. His key strengths include change management, data analytics, coaching, mentoring, influencing, and creating high-performance teams.
As a trusted advisor, Ed leverages his expertise to help clients unlock their operational potential by identifying and addressing process inefficiencies, eliminating waste, enhancing efficiency, and improving on-time delivery and product quality. He prioritizes knowledge transfer, coaching client teams in root cause analysis, corrective actions, and problem-solving methodologies to ensure lasting improvements.
Ed holds a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science and Engineering, a Master of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and an MBA from the University of Florida.
He and his wife, Christine, live in St. Augustine, FL.
Yannick Marcoux
B.Eng., M.Sc.A, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Yannick Marcoux has built an impressive career in management consulting since 1995, starting with a strong foundation in industrial engineering and progressively taking on more complex mandates. His approach is anchored in real-world practice, focusing on practical solutions that deliver tangible results.
Beyond his consulting work, Yannick is a dedicated educator, having taught Lean Six Sigma at École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS) for professional managers and at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR) for aspiring professionals. His passion for operations improvement and the business world is evident in his work both in the classroom and with clients.
As a founder of three companies, including Biplan Consulting, Yannick has honed his entrepreneurial skills while driving significant change in manufacturing sectors. He has a proven track record of helping organizations sustain rapid growth by transforming their operations. By tailoring tools and methodologies from Lean, Six Sigma, and industrial engineering to fit each company’s unique needs, Yannick ensures that improvements are both sustainable and scalable. His bold approach to operations improvement has helped companies achieve long-term success and enhanced performance, solidifying his reputation as a trusted leader in the field.
Teri Ivaniszyn
BA Business, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Agile PO
Teri Ivaniszyn is a seasoned professional in the field of operational excellence and business transformation. With extensive expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodologies, Teri specializes in driving efficiency, enhancing operational performance, and implementing strategic solutions that deliver measurable, sustainable results across industries.
With a strong academic background and professional certifications, Teri brings knowledge and expertise to her role. She earned a BA in Business and Communications from the University of Michigan and holds a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, complemented by advanced leadership training in Agile Product Ownership and organizational change from institutions such as Harvard.
Teri has successfully led transformative initiatives, driving process improvements, automation, and regulatory compliance while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Her expertise includes guiding ISO certifications, implementing supplier quality programs, and mentoring a global network of Lean Six Sigma practitioners.
A thought leader and active participant in professional organizations, Teri continues to engage as a board member, sharing insights and advancing best practices in operational excellence. Her extensive experience spans diverse industries, where she has optimized processes, improved supply chain performance, and cultivated high-performing teams to achieve strategic goals.
Andres Slack
LSS Master Black Belt
Working as a management consultant for the last 15 years (starting at Accenture), Andres has been applying operations excellence expertise gained prior to his consulting career in companies such as IBM, General Electric, and Emerson.
Over the last 10 years, Andres has increasingly focused on business process automation and digital transformation, bridging the gap between “old-school” operations and the “new world” of digitization and automation.
Andres can expertly analyze the current state of service and manufacturing operations and identify specific opportunities to significantly impact velocity, quality, and productivity—in addition to developing and executing detailed plans for implementing and maintaining these improvements.
Andres has extensive experience in process improvement, from targeted optimizations to reengineering end-to-end value streams. He applies the right-fit approach and tools for high-impact results, including Lean Six Sigma (LSS), Kaizen events, statistical process control, Just-in-Time (JIT) manufacturing, pull systems, and KPI-driven management dashboards.
He has led enterprise-level deployments of quality systems such as LSS and CMMI, driven business process automation using Excel VBA, MS Power Automate, and RPA, and managed process improvement teams and large-scale projects. His expertise spans government, manufacturing, financial services, IT, and healthcare industries.
Andres holds a BSEE from Florida International University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. He is proficient in MS Power Platform, SQL, SharePoint, Visio, MiniTab, Jira, and MS Project.
Certifications include LSS Master Black Belt (Accenture), Six Sigma Black Belt (ASQ), Supply Chain Transformation Architect Candidate (MetaOps), and Lean IT (Quint Group).
Jamison Yi
MBA, PMP, LSSMBB
Jamison Yi is a hands-on, results-driven leader specializing in Lean Six Sigma, program management, and operational excellence. Holding an MBA, PMP certification, and a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, he brings over a decade of experience across healthcare, military, and consulting sectors. His expertise lies in process optimization, quality improvement, and strategic problem-solving, helping organizations achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction, and enhanced performance.
Throughout his consulting career, Jamison has successfully led transformative Lean initiatives, training teams in continuous improvement methodologies and delivering data-driven solutions that yield measurable business impact. He has worked with cross-functional teams at all levels, guiding leaders and frontline employees alike in embracing Lean principles and fostering a culture of innovation and sustained improvement.
Known for his practical, hands-on approach, Jamison excels in facilitating change management, mentoring teams, and ensuring that improvement initiatives translate into long-term success. His ability to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes, and drive operational excellence has consistently led to breakthrough results in complex, fast-paced environments. Whether implementing Lean strategies, leading high-impact training programs, or advising executive teams, Jamison is dedicated to delivering excellence and measurable success.
Althea Saldanha
Ph.D, Master Black Belt, CPHQ
Althea Saldanha is an innovative transformation leader with a 25+ year portfolio of success in driving operations and process engineering/improvement efforts for Fortune 500 and leading distribution, global technology, and services organizations such as Amazon, Microsoft, and AT&T. She has been instrumental in developing and implementing effective programs, processes, and products, and is dedicated to delivering vital projects on time and within budget. Althea has graduate degrees in Computer Information Systems & Applied Statistics, backed by a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering and Process Control.
Althea’s experience has allowed her to develop a diverse set of skills and expertise across multiple areas. She is proficient in Lean Six Sigma methodologies and process optimization, driving efficiency and performance improvements. She excels in leadership development and team empowerment, fostering strong, results-driven teams. Her background includes operations analysis and performance improvement, as well as supply chain management and efficiency optimization. She has extensive experience in process design and continuous improvement, along with project and program management. Additionally, she has worked on infrastructure and system development, ensuring operational effectiveness. She specializes in VOC (Voice of the Customer) analysis and implementation to enhance customer satisfaction. Her expertise also includes process simulation and modeling to drive efficiency gains, as well as developing reporting and metrics solutions to support data-informed decision-making.
Holly Blair
Professional Engineer registered in Alberta, LSSMBB, Certified Executive Coach, Certified Business Analysis Professional, Certified Change Management Practitioner
Holly Blair is a highly skilled professional with over 18 years of experience in industries such as utilities, chemical processing, manufacturing, and healthcare. A Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Professional Engineer registered in Alberta, Holly is dedicated to helping organizations achieve operational excellence and sustainable growth through continuous improvement initiatives.
In the utilities and renewables sector, Holly has five years of hands-on experience in water treatment for boiler feed water and cooling water applications. She has successfully led process improvement initiatives to enhance plant operations and ensure reliability. Her expertise in optimizing water treatment systems has contributed to significant improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, and overall operational performance.
Holly’s comprehensive knowledge extends beyond utilities, encompassing process safety, plant reliability, and Lean transformations. She has also worked as a business analyst in downstream oil and gas, where she optimized processes and coordinated IT improvements.
Holly’s ability to guide organizations through complex operational challenges has earned her a reputation as a trusted leader in the field. She is passionate about delivering measurable results, enhancing quality, and eliminating waste. Holly’s commitment to excellence makes her an invaluable asset to any organization seeking transformative success in the utilities industry and beyond.
Dario Medina
MBA McMaster University
Dario Medina is a Consulting Partner at AM Saxum, specializing in business intelligence, data analytics, and visualization to support operational excellence and data-driven decision-making. He brings over 15 years of experience designing and implementing end-to-end analytical solutions for both manufacturing and service-based organizations.
Throughout his career, Dario has held senior roles in leading institutions across the banking and telecommunications sectors, including TD Bank, Scotiabank, and Bell. He has led high-impact projects involving dashboard and scorecard development, metric definition, and process automation—transforming complex data into clear, actionable insights for executives and frontline teams alike.
In the manufacturing sector, Dario has successfully led initiatives that improved process accuracy and reliability, resulting in operational savings exceeding $1.5 million over two years. He has also supported cross-functional teams in deploying mobile and digital solutions to eliminate manual, paper-based processes in field operations.
Dario’s expertise extends to education, where he serves as a professor at McMaster University, designing and delivering courses on data visualization. He helps professionals and students translate business needs into analytical strategies and actionable insights. His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Software Engineering, a Master’s in Software Engineering, and an MBA from McMaster University.
Dario is a multilingual professional who brings a collaborative, insight-driven approach to every client engagement, helping organizations align their data strategies with operational goals and continuous improvement initiatives.
Bob Masterson
MBA, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Prosci Change Management
Bob Masterson is an experienced and innovative Business Transformation and Change Leader delivering extraordinary bottom-line results to the business across various industries and organizations, including aerospace, automotive, technology, and healthcare sectors.
Bob received his Executive MBA from Lawrence Technological University and holds certifications in Lean Six Sigma and Prosci Change Management.
Bob excels in aligning projects to organizational strategies and goals and obtaining stakeholder consensus and buy-in. His strength lies in working with and through people to quickly get to the root cause of the problem and identifying effective solutions based on facts and data. With a collaborative spirit and commitment to excellence, he consistently meets and exceeds project timing and objectives.
Bob is passionate about leading cross-functional teams, fostering strategic collaboration and helping people embrace change. This is also driven by his desire to help others to actively participate in process improvement and change through training and development, where he has trained over 2600 people in both Lean Six Sigma and Change Management.
Steve Phinney
MBA, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Steve Phinney is an accomplished operations improvement consultant with over 18 years of experience leading complex initiatives and driving process excellence across diverse industries. He holds an MBA and is a certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, with professional certifications from institutions such as General Electric, ASQ, and the Lean Enterprise Institute.
Steve’s expertise spans multiple sectors, including financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, utilities and technology. Notably, he has delivered over $500 million in impact through his consulting work with leading organizations such as Microsoft, Amazon, GE, Bank of America, and JP Morgan Chase. His exceptional ability to analyze root causes, streamline processes, and implement sustainable solutions has consistently driven profitability and operational efficiency for his clients.
In the banking sector, Steve played a key role in designing and deploying Lean Six Sigma programs for a 55,000-employee bank, re-engineering processes, and earning accolades from regulatory bodies. His work in healthcare improved patient satisfaction from the 19th to the 95th percentile within a year.
With 13 years of leadership experience as a military aviation officer, Steve brings a disciplined, approachable, and inclusive style to his work. His dedication to continuous improvement and team development has made him a trusted partner for transformational success.
Michael Guirguis
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Prosci Certified Change Management Professional
Michael Guirguis is a dynamic leader with extensive experience in operational excellence, quality management, change management, and strategic transformation. With a proven track record across diverse industries, including manufacturing, construction, and quality assurance, Michael has consistently delivered impactful results. Over the years, he has held several key leadership positions, such as VP of Operations, North America Director of Operational Quality, and Corporate Director of Operational Excellence.
A certified Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt and Prosci Certified Change Management Professional, Michael is passionate about helping organizations achieve world-class operational standards. He leverages his deep expertise in continuous improvement, Lean methodologies, and strategic innovation to drive organizational success. His leadership has enhanced operational efficiency, reduced waste, and fostered a culture of excellence in every organization he’s been a part of.
Additionally, Michael has played an integral role in mergers and acquisitions, streamlining processes to ensure seamless integration, while also driving profitability in manufacturing. His ability to align business strategies with operational performance makes him a valued leader in driving long-term success, ensuring that businesses exceed their operational goals. Michael is dedicated to fostering an environment of continuous improvement and delivering sustainable transformation.
Celso Silva
Post-MBA in Strategic Management, an Executive MBA, a Master’s degree in Quality Engineering, and certifications in Project Management Professional, Change Management, Data Science, and Lean Six Sigma
Celso is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of international experience in business excellence, management, and transformation across diverse sectors including the aeronautic, education, banking services, consultancy, mining, food manufacturing and construction industries. He has held leadership positions where he spearheaded the development and implementation of Business Excellence models.
His achievements include leading strategic and operational management initiatives and coordinating CAPEX and OPEX project offices. Celso's expertise extends to creating transformation programs, generating substantial impacts and cost savings through business improvements, and conducting corporate research for the application of improvement tools.
Adept at driving operational excellence and continuous improvement, Celso has developed and implemented numerous improvement projects across North and South America, resulting in significant financial benefits for the organizations he has worked with.
He holds a Post-MBA in Strategic Management, an Executive MBA, a Master’s degree in Quality Engineering, and certifications in Project Management Professional (PMP®), Change Management, Data Science, and Lean Six Sigma. Celso’s passion for excellence and continuous improvement drives his commitment to delivering impactful results and driving organizational success. With a track record of success in diverse industries, Celso's dedication to excellence and driving positive change sets him apart as a leader in business strategy and implementation.
Edward Ferguson
MBA, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Ed Ferguson is a highly accomplished professional with over twenty years of experience driving operational excellence through Lean Six Sigma methodologies.
With a track record of successfully leading transformation initiatives in diverse industries, Ed specializes in optimizing processes, reducing waste, and enhancing efficiency in both standard and non-standard manufacturing environments, financial services, and call centre environments. His hands-on experience spans across continuous improvement, kaizen, and strategic problem-solving, helping organizations achieve sustainable performance gains.
As a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Ed has partnered with executives and cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact solutions that align with business goals. He is passionate about training, mentoring, and developing talent, empowering teams to embrace Lean principles while fostering a culture of continuous improvement. His collaborative and data-driven leadership style ensures measurable outcomes and long-lasting results.
Whether leading large-scale transformations or nurturing the next generation of Lean Six Sigma practitioners, Ed brings expertise and a commitment to excellence.
Samuel Koleoso
LSSMBB, CBAP, MBA
Samuel Koleoso is a highly regarded leader in the Lean Six Sigma community. He has over 20 years of experience in leadership, process improvement, and managing people and profits. He is known for his innovative approach to process improvement and organizational efficiency. With decades of experience in utilizing Six Sigma methodologies, Samuel has established himself as a driving force behind the business success of many organizations and industry giants.
Samuel’s professional credentials are backed by his strong academic qualifications in diverse fields of organizational transformation, leadership, business administration, marketing and supply chain. He holds a Certified Business Analysis Professional™ (CBAP®) designation from the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA) and has completed his MBA from the University of South Wales, as well as Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing, from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK.
With hands-on experience in various industries, including manufacturing (food and beverages), retail, health care, and supply chains across Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, and Canada, Samuel has helped numerous organizations streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve performance.
With a proven track record of delivering results, Samuel possesses strong leadership and problem-solving skills, allowing him to take a strategic, high-level view. He excels in coaching Black Belts and Green Belts, as well as facilitating Lean Six Sigma training within organizations. Samuel frequently acts as an internal consultant, guiding Six Sigma strategic direction, leading company-wide projects, and advising executives on process improvement, operational excellence, and cost reduction strategies.
Scott Penner
PhD, BASc, P.Eng., MBA, LSS MBB
Dr. Scott Penner is a Professional Engineer, PhD, and MBA who specializes in bridging technical and business perspectives to advance corporate strategic objectives. He holds his Six Sigma Green Belt Certification from Honeywell and a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt from Smarter Solutions. He has over fifteen years of industry experience throughout the United States and Canada, as well as more than a decade of expertise in delivering Lean Six Sigma training.
An experienced professional engineer specializing in product commercialization, Scott has detailed experience in semiconductor/MEMS device fabrication. He is a champion for process optimization, continuous improvement and statistical process control, and a leader in technical liaison with both internal and external stakeholders. Scott is currently lead instructor and analyst at Parallel Integration Consulting Services, and also collaborates with AMSaxum, Rockmount Financial, and others. With demonstrated project management and team leadership skills, he has a proven record of delivering cost reduction, yield improvement, and productivity enhancement.
Scott attended the University of British Columbia where he received a Bachelor of Applied Science, Engineering Physics. He then earned a PhD in Optical Sciences from the University of Arizona and his MBA specializing in Management of Technology from Simon Fraser University.
Mike McKernan
B.Eng.
Mike McKernan is a Consulting Partner at AM Saxum with over 25 years of leadership experience in quality systems, ISO certification, and operational excellence. Formerly the Vice President of Quality at a 10-division world-class steel automotive company in Mississauga, Ontario, Mike has been at the forefront of implementing and auditing international quality standards across North America.
He played a key role in facilitating the first QS 9000 / ISO 9002 quality system in North America and has led successful implementations of TS 16949, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 17025, and SISAP across various sectors. His deep understanding of certification processes and regulatory compliance has made him a sought-after expert in helping organizations achieve and maintain world-class quality standards.
Mike has presented at industry-leading forums, including the American Society for Quality (ASQ) conferences, General Motors symposiums, Magna facilities, and the University of Toronto. His approach combines technical rigor with a practical, people-centered mindset—helping clients embed quality into the culture of their organizations.
Known for his loyalty, business acumen, and empathy, Mike has a proven ability to guide companies through complex certification journeys and strategic quality transformations. In addition to his consulting work, he serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board for a third-party Registrar based in Pittsburgh, PA, and is Chairman of the Board of the Northmount Foundation in Toronto, Ontario.
At AM Saxum, Mike leads ISO training and certification initiatives, ensuring clients meet global standards while driving sustainable operational improvements.
Ralf Wrana
B.S. EE, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Lean Master
Ralf Wrana is a highly accomplished professional in business transformation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence, with over 20 years of hands-on experience optimizing business performance and driving efficiency on a global scale. His expertise spans industries such as Aerospace (Honeywell), Telecommunications (Avaya), Financial Services (S&P Global), Chemicals (Linde), and Medical Devices (Eastman Kodak).
As a Consulting Partner at AMSAXUM, Ralf specializes in orchestrating end-to-end business and manufacturing transformations to enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainable growth.
Previously, as Group Director of Continuous Improvement at SIMS Limited, he spearheaded global Lean strategies across 40 plants, delivering $60 million in productivity gains.
He also led initiatives in supply chain optimization, cash flow enhancement, and sales force effectiveness, achieving significant savings and operational improvements.
At S&P Global, he directed Lean implementations, trained over 400 executives and project managers, and delivered $40 million in productivity gains while embedding a culture of continuous improvement.
Ralf holds certifications as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt (Linde), Lean Master (Avaya), and Six Sigma Black Belt (Honeywell, Kodak), reflecting his deep expertise in process methodologies. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Applied Sciences, Regensburg, Germany, and completed the Executive Leadership Program at Oxford University.
Bilingual in English and German, Ralf brings a unique perspective to digitization, operational risk management, and process optimization, helping organizations achieve transformational success through measurable outcomes.
Axel Ramm
P. Eng., MSc, DFSS & LSS & OpEx Master Black Belt, Data Scientist, Director of Engineering
Axel J Ramm is a multi-disciplinary engineering leader and consultant specializing in Operational Excellence, Lean Six Sigma, Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Product Development. With over two decades of experience, Axel has driven transformational change across product development, quality assurance, and manufacturing operations.
Axel holds extensive credentials as a Master Black Belt in DFSS and Operational Excellence and has directed globally dispersed teams of 100+ engineers. His contributions include achieving over $30 million in cost savings through structural optimizations and pioneering the adoption of Digital Twins and AI/ML tools to streamline processes and reduce time-to-market.
As a recognized innovator, Axel has authored award-winning technical papers and holds over 20 patents, underscoring his impact on engineering and product development. A passionate mentor, he has trained thousands of professionals in Lean Six Sigma and engineering excellence, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Axel’s commitment to enhancing efficiency and product quality while empowering teams has solidified his reputation as a trusted advisor for organizations striving for operational excellence and innovation.
George Rofail
Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (Ohio, US), Certified Energy Auditor, Certified Energy Manager, B.Eng., MBA
George Rofail is a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt with over 24 years’ experience in the industry. Over the course of his career, George has mentored over 400 project leaders and led 175 Kaizen Events for savings of over $250MM.
He has a strong educational background with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Case Western Reserve University and an MBA from Penn State University. He also has formal training in Lean Six Sigma from Ohio State University and University of Tennessee.
George has made impactful improvements with employers including Ford Motor Company, Sherwin-Williams, KeyBank, Cummins Engine Company, and Signet Jewelers.
George has a unique ability to identify true root causes and implement realistic improvements that can be better sustained.
George was raised in an entrepreneur family with a small business in retail and real estate. He has used his technical ability along with his family roots in his ownership of four Cleveland area restaurants and transitioned into a new start-up business in property management.
Carlos Castro
Science Bch - Chemistry, MBA, TPM Instructor, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Scrum Master
Carlos Castro has 25 years of executive experience in Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Procurement, Planning, Customer Service, and Distribution within top multinational companies, including Saint-Gobain, Unilever, Cadbury, and Kraft/Mondelez. He has international experience leading global teams across multiple regions and developing a deep understanding of Latin American markets. His career includes five years in Brazil with Unilever, four years directing Supply Chain operations for Cadbury’s South American business, and four years leading Supply Chain for Kraft/Mondelez in the Southern Cone of Latin America.
Carlos Castro has conceptual and hands-on expertise in strategic and operational Supply Chain management, Research and Development, and Manufacturing. His experience includes overseeing 12 plants across Argentina, Brazil, and Colombia.
Over the past 10 years, he has worked as a consultant specializing in continuous improvement and productivity enhancement for numerous companies across Latin America. His clients include industry leaders such as Kimberly-Clark, Unilever, Monsanto, Atanor, Avon, Henkel, Despegar.com, Mondelez, Bayer, Ledesma, Sanofi, Mattel, Beiersdorf, Clorox, Cargill, Coca-Cola FEMSA, Bimbo, and many others.
Carlos brings experience in Supply Chain Leadership and Strategy Design, Procurement and Supplier Negotiations, and Cost Structure Analysis. He excels in Sales & Operations Planning, Integrated Business Planning, and Customer Service & Logistics Development. His expertise includes Research and Development Strategy, Product Sourcing, Outsourcing, and Co-Manufacturer Development. Carlos has a strong background in Quality Systems and Sustainability Strategy, along with Business Process Design and Enterprise Management Systems, including Lean Six Sigma and TPM. He is skilled in Agile Methodologies and has experience in Mergers and Acquisitions.
Daniel Martinez
Chem. Eng., CQE, CSSBB, SSMBB, Scrum Master
Daniel W. Martínez is a Chemical Engineer and a Certified Quality Engineer (ASQ). He holds certifications as a Six Sigma Black Belt (ASQ) and Six Sigma Master Black Belt (ASQ). Currently, he serves as the Director of SCS Consultores Asociados.
He has held management positions with both local and regional responsibilities in internationally renowned companies such as Chesebrough Pond’s, Unilever, and others.
As a consultant, he has led the implementation of Lean-Six Sigma, the National Award for Quality model, Continuous Improvement methodologies, Quality management systems, and various certifiable standards across multiple organizations.
As a consultant in continuous improvement and productivity enhancement, he has worked with a wide range of companies across Latin America, including Telecom-Personal, Tenaris, Coca-Cola, Telefónica de Argentina, Unilever, Alcatel-Lucent (Nokia), YPF-Profertil, Exxon, Banco de Boston, Kraft Foods, Cadbury, Nextel, Ford, Taranto, Alba-ICI-AkzoNobel, Aguas Danone, LAN Chile (LATAM), AB InBev, Kimberly-Clark, AVON, Cardif, SANOFI, Sealed Air, La Fármaco Argentina, Kleiman, IAE Business School, Banco de México, Bimbo, Biogénesis Bagó, and many others.
He was a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality (ASQ, USA) and served as a member of the Recertification Committee in Argentina. Additionally, he was the Academic Director of the postgraduate course in Quality Management (with International Certification) at Instituto Tecnológico de Buenos Aires (ITBA). He has also taught at several universities, including UTN, UCALP, UBA, and Austral, and has served as a professor for Six Sigma training courses for ASQ in Argentina, covering SSBB, SSGB, SS Champion, and SS Executive programs.
Carlos Aponte
P.Eng., M.Sc., MBA, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt
Carlos is a Digital Business Transformation executive who has excelled for over fourteen years at Motorola – Google—seven years in Latin America and seven years in North America handling and optimizing reverse logistic operations. He returned to his home country in Colombia to lead the Digital Transformation of Universidad de La Sabana, one of the top universities with approximately 9,000 students. He then participated in another large Business Transformation with Universidad Minuto de Dios, one of the largest universities with 113,000 students.
He continued to expand in other sectors, which included financial, government, agricultural, telecommunications, health, and retail. There, he assisted clients with their strategic and operational goals and helped them expand into various market segments. He also advised clients with their business process management, continuous improvement, and optimization, particularly in the implementation of Six Sigma Methodology, as well as the adoption of various technology solutions that involved data management and migration. Other specialties include Customer Experience, Risk Management, Business Process Management, and Entrepreneurship & Innovation.
Joe McDonald
Lean 6 Sigma Black Belt/ 3rd Class Power Engineer
Joseph McDonald is a seasoned consultant with over 30 years of hands-on industry experience, having progressed through many roles from the ground up. Beginning his career in Oil and Gas, he has worked extensively across heavy oil, conventional oil, midstream, and sour gas facilities, primarily within an Operations and Maintenance capacity. Additionally, Joseph has applied his expertise in various manufacturing environments. Holding a Third-Class Steam Engineer’s ticket and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, he combines practical knowledge with proven Lean methodologies to achieve improvements in quality, efficiency, and waste reduction.
His operational management experience spans projects across South Texas, Ecuador, Peru, Northern Alberta, and Northeast British Columbia. Joseph is proficient in developing and implementing robust operational frameworks, including core facility systems such as operator training and evaluation programs, HAZ-OP studies, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) development, Ready for Operations (RFO) protocols, CSU, and experimental process development.
Beyond his technical expertise, Joseph possesses strong interpersonal and leadership skills that enable him to bridge the gap between theoretical Lean principles and their practical application. His industry experience allows him to communicate and translate these concepts to floor management and staff, fostering engagement and sustainable process improvements throughout the organization.
Careers at AM Saxum
At AM Saxum, we’re always looking for experienced professionals passionate about operational excellence. If you have a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, at least five years of relevant experience, and thrive in an independent, results-driven environment, we’d love to hear from you. Consulting experience, training delivery, and proposal development are strong assets. Join us in driving impactful change across diverse industries. To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to info@amsaxum.com.