Dana Ahmed

About Dana Ahmed

I build clarity where complexity lives. With 20+ years of experience, I lead enterprise-scale New Product Introduction (NPI), program management, procurement enablement, and manufacturing readiness initiatives across global, highly regulated organizations. My focus is on creating project and program governance, systems, and operating models that align R&D, procurement, and operations to improve cost, quality, speed-to-market, and execution reliability. I am often brought into environments where growth, compliance, and operational scale must coexist. My approach blends disciplined project and program management, cross-functional alignment, and data-driven decision-making to deliver results that extend well beyond a single launch or initiative: • Protected $6B+ in revenue by leading program-managed regulatory and efficiency programs across 20 product families • Directed NPI and capital project portfolios up to $200M, delivering $8.6M in launch savings and scaling to $26–32M at volume • Built and scaled project management and program organizations from 4 to 26 employees, coordinating 100+ cross-functional contributors • Generated $10.2M in annual profit improvement through cost modeling, procurement strategy, standardization, and manufacturable design strategies. Outside of work, creativity and discipline continue to shape how I think and lead. I spend time drawing charcoal portraits, a practice that sharpens patience, observation, and attention to detail. I’m also an enthusiastic home cook who regularly takes cooking classes, learning when to follow a process precisely and when to make thoughtful improvisations that lead to better outcomes. Recently, I’ve recommitted to health and wellness, reinforcing the importance of sustainable energy, focus, and balance in leadership and life. I enjoy connecting with others who care about disciplined execution, scalable systems, and thoughtful leadership. Feel free to reach out: Enterprise NPI | Procurement Enablement | Manufacturing Readiness | Program Governance | Capital Portfolio Management | DFX | DFM/DFA | Cost Modeling | Should-Cost Analysis | Regulatory Compliance | Lean Methodologies | Cross-Functional Leadership | Supplier Strategy | KPI Development | Executive Communication

Experience

1. Director of New Product Launches Manufacturing

   Daikin Industries, Ltd

   Apr 2020 — Present · Houston, TX, US

   Houston, Texas, United States

Education

• Penn State University

  Bachelor of Science - BS, Electrical Engineering, Minor: Business