DeShawn McClain

DeShawn is particularly skilled at wading into the structural, process, and people ambiguity and coming forth with a plan that drives momentum. She also has a hands-on approach, guiding teams through critical details to better align key partners, site teams, and contractors and getting everyone on one message track and plan.

Prior to joining Ankura, DeShawn led strategic initiatives such as engineering and continuous improvement programs at General Motors, Android Industries, and AO Smith. Also, she led consumer packaged goods programs at Mars Petcare including brand renovation, new brand development, strategic planning and execution, business process development, and external audit compliance.

DeShawn’s 17 years of experience in automotive manufacturing, appliance manufacturing, consumer packaged goods, pet food manufacturing, marketing, program management, and strategy management gives her the experience and knowledge to lead complex programs and deliver sustainable results across multiple industries.

DeShawn’s professional experience includes:

• Led program to develop and execute process initiatives to improve governance of product transition, cost management, product innovation planning, new employee training, and quality compliance.
• Led site design and planning of vehicle and appliance start-ups, including capital and tooling management and installation, ergonomics analysis, SOP documentation, SOP training, and process improvement. Also, led year-over-year delivery of headcount efficiency across industries and multiple sites.
• Planned and executed innovation strategy, bringing cross-functional view, including requirements to start up sites and meet customer requirements, capital timing and installation, forecasting and capacity analysis, customer messaging, quality validation and food safety compliance, business model analysis, and risk management.