Personal References for Stuart Lester
I have known Stuart since 2003 when Vector Capital led the take private of Corel Corporation. Vector is a technology oriented private equity firm managing over $2 Billion in equity capital. Stuart served as a critical member of the leadership team in the turnaround of Corel and the subsequent acquisition and integration of two large acquisitions. His leadership over our global Manufacturing, Customer Support and Technical Support helped us meaningfully improve quality of service and costs. Stuart’s role was global. His impact was felt in operations in EMEA, APAC and North America. Needless to say Stuart's successes would not have been enabled without his inclusive leadership style, outstanding communications skills and work ethic. I highly recommend Stuart. Please feel free to get in touch with me if I can provide any additional details.
Amish Mehta, Partner, Vector Capital, USA
I have known and worked with Stuart off and on for 15 years in … three companies. He is excellent at operations, customer support, and finance with a VERY detailed approach and a great negotiator. He has relocated numerous operations of various sorts for me, consolidated companies, including IT, finance, and customer support under very difficult circumstances. I can and do vouch for him, his abilities, and his results. His view of cost is extreme ... he will travel the world on a moment’s notice, and fits in well with multiple cultures, … Stuart has done work for me in Holland, UK, US, Hungary, Japan, Taiwan, Philippines, and of course throughout Europe.
Randy Eisenbach, President & CEO, Printronix, USA
I have worked with Stuart for many years, but most recently in his capacity as VP Global Operations at Corel Corporation where he worked with me for 9 years. Stuart has been at the forefront of manufacturing changes and development at Corel, playing the lead role in the assimilation of manufacturing and fulfilment activities following major acquisitions, as well as establishing manufacturing operations in Taiwan and Japan and driving many cost savings initiatives. He has led our Customer Support, Technical Support and Manufacturing activity, reviewing and approving all budget and hiring decisions for the CS, TS and Manufacturing teams worldwide. He has been tasked with implementing robust global standard processes that support our priorities and goals of Product Management and Sales and Marketing, whilst at the same time maintaining control of our Cost of Goods Sold. Stuart is a highly experienced and motivated individual with extensive knowledge of working operations in EMEA, USA, Japan and Taiwan.
Amanda Bedborough, EVP, International Operations , Corel UK
What always impresses me about Stuart is his ability to stay calm and objective in the most testing of situations. He combines a friendly, personal approach to people with a really searching and analytical mindset. Stuart has a rare ability to rapidly see the "wood for the trees" and to identify solutions and improvements, particularly in the areas of business process and operational efficiency. He combines an enquiring mind with a "can do" and solutions-driven approach, but best of all, he does this with a laid-back, unassuming style and a great sense of humour! Stuart is not afraid to "call it the way he sees it" and to back his views with clear rationale. But he is also culturally sensitive, having had years of experience dealing in North America and Asia, knowing how ro convince and to gain agreement to his plans.
Nick Wright, Executive & Interim Recruitment Consultant
Last Updated (Tuesday, 10 June 2014 15:26)