Mike Read

Experience As:

Chief Innovation Officer
Chief Strategy Officer
Growth Advisor

Based In:
Asheville, North Carolina
Language (s):
English

Mike Read

With over forty years of experience Mike Read brings industry specific knowledge that shapes effective strategies and tactical approaches. His insights enable clients to allocate resources wisely, directing efforts towards achieving optimal outcomes. Whether refining existing operations or pioneering new market entries Mike's guidance ensures that your company stays ahead in competitive landscapes. Mike is a trusted advisor and partner to executives and business leader worldwide. Using his technical background and business development expertise, Mike brings a unique perspective that helps organizations solve complex business problems, including product line rationalization, turnaround execution and acquisition selection and integration. His depth of experience spans across the energy, aerospace, defense, telecom and marine industries.

As a seasoned business leader specializing in innovation and new product development Mike excels in delivering profitable growth through innovation. With robust global leadership experience, Mike is adept at developing strategic initiatives tailored to diverse geographical markets. He can partner with clients to clarify the unique demands of global markets and align global strategies with local requirements to ensure that your company's initiatives resonate effectively in every market. As President of a high technology company in the energy and marine markets, Mike was successful in developing and leveraging operational strengths and best practices to achieve financial and operational objectives. He specializes in optimizing enterprise core processes and establishing centers of excellence that drive peak performance.

Testimonials:
"Mike's positive and energetic approach to driving critical initiatives and solving complex business problems is infectious and effective. His experience-based insights into technology commercialization help reduce time-to-market for new product launches and increase the hit rate of new entries. His first hand knowledge of innovation and sales process best practices, as well as his ability to pass these on in a straight forward manner, delivers rapid and sustainable improvements. You can always count on Mike to offer thoughtful and candid advice that will lead to business success."

- Brad Smith, Audra B. Smith Global Consulting


"I worked with Mike for over 12 years and found him to be a strong leader and visionary. He clearly understood the markets through constant contact with major participants and with active participation in Industry and Trade associations. This close involvement enabled him to anticipate market changes, both growth and pullback, and quickly right size the organization to maximize performance."


"Through the consolidation of 23 independently run businesses he led the formation of one industry leading company which maximized sales, marketing, distribution, product development and manufacturing while reducing costs. Mike has a keen ability to assess people's strength and weaknesses and position the right individuals in much needed areas of the organization."

- Al Pichelli, Former President & CEO, Teledyne Technologies


"Over the last 25 years in the global energy and technology markets, Mike was one of the leading technology supply chain executives with a clear mission for customer success and creating solid partnerships. Built on this I was intrigued by his new journey and encourage others to do the same."

- David Currie, Chairman, ProServ, UK


"Working with Mike has been an inspiring and transformative experience. His leadership goes beyond mere management; it’s about nurturing potential and fostering growth. Mike possesses an exceptional ability to motivate and guide the team, encouraging everyone to exceed our own expectations and drive the business strategically beyond just tactical execution. Mike consistently prioritized development of a key talent pipeline within the business providing the necessary guidance and leadership to provide critical depth in all facets of the business, specifically his personal mentorship enabled me to develop a dynamic skill set transforming me into the leader I am today. He has truly embodied the qualities of a visionary leader and an outstanding mentor."

- Matt Burdyny, Chief Commercial Officer, Ocean Power Technologies

Navigating the Road to Revenue: Reviving an Underperforming International Expansion Initiative

Navigating the Road to Revenue: Reviving an Underperforming International Expansion Initiative