About

Interim Management Specialist

Next Thinking Interim Management Solutions is an interim management solutions company led by Ken Wheeldon. He is friendly, transparent, and outspoken, and brings in the ability to energize a firm and its people. Ken helps with transition stages, enabling firms to stabilize especially in times like this

About Ken Wheeldon

Ken founded NextThinking™ Interim Management Solutions to fill management/leadership gaps created in organizations by the sudden exit of key management personnel due to various reasons.

  • Management reorganization.

  • Health matters.

  • Leaves of absence.

  • Death.

  • Supplemental needs during rapid growth cycles & special projects.

Ken assists with transition stages, helping firms maintain momentum without incurring long-term obligations/costs. He creates the added benefit of valuable time to recruit Mr. or Ms. Right as opposed to "Right for Now."

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Ken’s Career

Ken's career spans across senior management roles, including president/CEO, general manager, director of operations, and director of market development across industries.

  • Automotive

  • Finance

  • Advanced manufacturing

  • Consulting

  • Large Scale Energy Rebates

The sum of many parts, Ken spent nearly seven years working with Japanese corporations, explored the country, immersed himself in the culture, and made friends. He toured and observed assembly plants, dealt with senior executives and front line workers to learn the route to excellence.

Ken’s Approach

  • Upfront

  • Personable

  • Transparent

Ken brings high energy and the ability to energize a firm and its people. Ken gets things done!

Ken’s Academics

Ken holds a business degree from Northwood University in Automotive Marketing and Management. He was trained extensively and consistently over the years through Fortune 500 companies, professional associations, and development forums, which continue to date. He is driven by the top of the line training and focus provided by world-class organizations.

Next Thinking Interim Management Solutions

  • ADP

  • BMO

  • CIBC

  • Deacom

  • Disney

  • FDA

  • Ford Motor Company

  • Ford Motor Credit

  • General Motors

  • GMAC

  • Health Canada

  • Hyundai Corporation

  • JD Power &Associates

  • Manheim

  • Nissan

  • Northern College

  • Northwood University

  • NSF®

  • Peak Consulting

  • Performance Incorporated

  • Pfizer

  • Reynolds & Reynolds

  • Royal Bank

  • St. Clair College

  • Thomson Group

  • USDA

  • Windsor Essex Lean Leaders Consortium

And others

Ken’s Knowledge & Expertise

Ken parlayed his knowledge and experience to successfully support various industries for special projects and the effective pursuit of funding to support the following.

  • Innovation

  • Equipment

  • Research

  • Commercialization

  • Expansion

  • Energy Saving Upgrades

Next Thinking Interim Management Solutions

Ken’s Research

He has been a part of primary and secondary market research and the development of comprehensive strategy/business/marketing plans for various industries.

  • Automotive retail

  • Manufacturing

  • Advanced manufacturing, automotive (tool & mold, metal stamping/welding/machining)

  •  Nutra/pharma

  • High-tech

  • Building components

Additionally, the following are also a part of his portfolio and expertise.

  • Supply chain

  • Food services

  • Industrial design

  • Greenhouse-agri

  • Economic development

International Exposure

Ken is a champion of workplace safety and government compliance across the industry. He has international experience and a solid record of lean manufacturing applications, where he turns waste into opportunity.

Based in the Windsor area, Ken is part of the Trusted Traveller Program and available for national and international business assignments. It’s all about where you are now and Next Thinking™ to get you where you need and want to be.

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