Gilles Dussart

Vice President Operational Excellence AptarGroup

Gilles Dussart, with extensive experience in operational excellence across various industries, has been serving as the Group Operational Excellence Director at Aptar Group since December 2018. Aptar is a global leader in drug and consumer product dosing, dispensing, and protection technologies. In his current role, Gilles oversee EHS, Quality, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Industrialisation processes. His recent achievements include defining and deploying 37 core global lean management systems, digitalizing shop floor and supply chain management using SAP ERP and MES, and developing AI support systems for operations. Additionally, Gilles created an Operation Deep Dive analysis system to identify potential improvements in collaboration with local teams. Prior to his current role, Gilles was the Group Operational Excellence Director at Zodiac Aerospace Group from June 2016 to December 2018. Zodiac Aerospace, now part of Safran, is a world leader in aerospace equipment and systems. He was responsible for creating and maintaining operational management standards and coordinating a network of 130 Operational Excellence Engineers. Key accomplishments include developing the Restore Margin methodology, which generated cost savings worth tens of millions of Dollars, writing production system standards recognized as world-class benchmarks, and supporting crisis management in California. He also played a crucial role in integrating Zodiac into Safran by organizing working groups, training, and change management methods. From November 2013 to June 2016, Gilles served as the Group Quality & Group Lean Manufacturing Director at Vallourec Group, a global leader in premium tubular solutions for the energy markets. He defined Group standards and coordinated quality and lean manufacturing activities, achieving significant cost reductions and halving customer claims. Gilles' strategic initiatives included building an industrial excellence plan, creating a lean reporting system, and implementing a customer dissatisfaction management system. Before this, Gilles held various leadership roles at Vallourec, he was the CEO of Valtimet, a subsidiary of Vallourec, with this role he successfully restructured the company to align with market changes and achieved positive operational results after several loss-making years. Gilles worked also with Faurecia Automotive Seating, where he focused on restructuring, innovation, and operational excellence, consistently driving growth and efficiency improvements. At Faurecia, From April 2008 to April 2009, Gilles was the Vice President of the Mechanism Product Line, managing a division with 5,000 employees across multiple countries. From March 2004 to March 2008, GIlles also served as Vice President of Soft Product Lines at Faurecia, overseeing 6,500 employees in 20 plants and three R&D centers achieving significant market share and profitability growth. In addition to these roles, Gilles has held several other significant positions in many companies.For instance Gilles also worked as a plant President in Rhodia Polyamide Intermediates, reorganizing maintenance and supply chain, and improving safety. At Valeo Engine Cooling Reims, Gilles as plant manager increased gross margin by 50% and improved quality. At Packard Bell NEC, Gilles as the Operation Director of the Desktop business unit in Europe enhanced logistics and management, significantly reducing defects. At Thomson CSF, Gilles managed production lines and led technology transfers. Gilles is now 62 years old, he is married and plays Golf (at least tries to ...).