Kay O Kissling
Executive Consultant
If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough...
Mario Andretti
Turning complex industrial solutions into profitable, scalable businesses.
From market validation to operational excellence: bridging strategy, engineering, and execution.
What I Do
Two complementary pillars — uniting strategy, execution, and measurable results.
Focus Area – Commercialization & Growth
Turning technical excellence into market traction and scalable revenue.
I help organizations validate markets, model business opportunities, and build repeatable go-to-market systems that convert engineering strength into commercial performance.
Every engagement starts with strategic insight — market and competitive analysis, SWOT and readiness assessments, and business modelling to define the right value proposition and growth path. From there, I translate strategy into action through sales architecture, channel design, and execution support.
Typical results: validated markets, first revenues, structured sales processes, and aligned teams.
Core competencies:
Market Validation · Business Modelling · Go-to-Market Design · Sales Architecture · Expansion Strategy
Focus Area – Operational & Cost Excellence
Driving sustainable profitability and operational performance.
I apply design-to-cost, modularization, and complexity-management frameworks to optimize products and processes from development to delivery. Each initiative is structured as a project with clear milestones and ownership — combining strategic alignment and hands-on project management to deliver tangible outcomes.
Typical results: 30–50 % cost reduction, higher efficiency, and improved margins across engineering and operations.
Core competencies:
Design-to-Cost · Modularization · Process Optimization · Project Management Execution · Complexity Reduction
Together, these pillars form a complete path from market validation to profitable scale. Anchored in strategy, executed through structured projects, and measured by results.
How I work
Commercialize — From Insight to Opportunity
Every project begins with clarity. I analyze market potential, customer needs, and competitive dynamics to validate opportunities and define the right business model.
Core activities: Strategic Market Assessment · Business Modelling · Value Proposition Design · Readiness Assessment
Outcome: validated growth opportunity and an actionable roadmap to market entry or expansion.
Scale — From Strategy to Sales Performance
Once direction is set, I help organizations translate strategy into repeatable commercial success. This includes designing go-to-market systems, structuring sales processes, and leading implementation through focused project management.
Core activities: Go-to-Market Architecture · Sales Enablement · Channel Design · Project Delivery
Outcome: scalable sales engine, aligned teams, and first sustainable revenues.
Optimize — From Execution to Sustainable Profitability
With growth established, I ensure long-term efficiency and profitability by embedding cost and operational excellence. Using design-to-cost, modularization, and continuous-improvement frameworks, I help clients strengthen margins and organizational resilience.
Core activities: Design-to-Cost · Modularization · Process Optimization · Complexity Reduction
Outcome: avg. 30–50 % cost reduction, streamlined operations, and enduring performance culture.
From validation to execution, each step connects strategy, people, and measurable impact — ensuring progress that lasts beyond the project.
Proven Results across Industries
Tangible outcomes from strategy, commercialization, and operational excellence projects in industrial and technology-driven sectors.
Commercialization & Growth
Industrial Tech / Aerospace
10× revenue growth within 12 months
Developed and executed a go-to-market strategy and sales architecture for aerospace customers across EMEA and Russia, introducing mid- and large-frame AM systems.
Result: record-breaking sales growth and market share expansion.Additive Manufacturing SME
Strategic shift from indirect to direct sales in EMEA
Designed and implemented short- and mid-term strategy, sales organization, and execution roadmap, achieving YoY growth in key markets.
Result: stabilized revenues, improved margin, and clearer go-to-market focus.Industrial Ceramics & Sensors (Confidential)
Market validation and proof of concept for high-tech materials start-up
Conducted competitive benchmarking and readiness assessment to support investor decision and product launch.
Result: verified market potential and commercialization roadmap.Operational & Cost Excellence
Telecom Production (Process Optimization)
40 % reduction in process lead-time
Restructured workflows, implemented AI-based training, and designed change-management roadmap for 300+ employees.
Result: measurable efficiency gains and staff performance improvement.Aerospace Components
>50 % cost savings through design-to-cost initiatives
Introduced target-costing framework and modular repair procedures for turbine components.
Result: embedded cost transparency and sustainable margin uplift.
Cross-border Organizational Restructuring
Operational turnaround during management transition
Acted as interim GM, leading EMEA operations for an additive manufacturing firm.
Result: restored stability, aligned leadership, and ensured continuity of business operations.· 20 + years experience · 10× growth delivered · > 50 % cost reduction ·
· Clients across aerospace, manufacturing & technology ·
Ready to explore how your business can grow and scale more profitably?
Available for consulting and interim mandates across Europe and North America. Book an introductory call or send a direct inquiry.
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