Apr 25, 2022
Video Version
About the Podcast
My guest today is Kevin Robinson, Managing Director of OPEX Performance Solutions Ltd and Toyota Alumni; having spent over 28 years at Toyota UK at the Deeside Engine Plant; starting as an Engineer in 1991 and working his way up the ranks until retiring as the General Manager of Manufacturing Operations.
Rather than starting at the beginning of Kevin's journey, we start in the present with Kevin sharing that he had many mentors along his journey who proved invaluable to him on a professional and personal level. And to honor them, he devotes a considerable amount of time being a mentor to others.
A lifelong learner, Kevin shares his passion for exploration and discovery. That he is humble and understands that what he knows is nothing compared to what is left still to learn is obvious throughout our conversation.
Throughout the entire conversation, Kevin shares nugget of wisdom (knowledge with experience) on a wide variety of topics, which is not a surprise considering his journey within Toyota.
I am sure you will enjoy listening to the conversation as much as I did.
About Kevin Robinson
Kevin RobinsonKevin Robinson has three decades of hands on leadership experience in manufacturing operations within Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK. Having enjoyed a diverse career working in all key functions before stepping into a general management position.
Responsible for delivering on all performance measures he led power train manufacturing operations in the UK through a period of significant challenge, securing a 30% manufacturing capacity improvement with zero capital investment and becoming a benchmark for Toyota global best practice. With a deep knowledge of the Toyota Production System (TPS) and the Toyota Way, Kevin understands the key leadership behaviors, practical methodologies and skills that are essential for delivering operational excellence into any organization.
As the founding senior manager for the Toyota Lean Management Centre (TLMC) he developed a program of educational materials and onsite coaching support for sharing Toyota best practice to external clients across a diverse range of sectors, including Government economic development initiatives in Wales and the Republic of Ireland.
Kevin’s passion lies in creating the right environment to engage all employees, allowing them to contribute positively, grow as individuals and deliver on the key metrics that really matter. He continues to support organizations in their pursuit of operational excellence, providing both executive coaching and mentoring services.
Additionally, he continues to share his knowledge as an adjunct lecturer with Trinity College, Dublin and as a Non-executive director with the Irish Centre for Business Excellence (ICBE).
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-robinson-opex/
Company: OPEX Performance Solutions Ltd (retired
Toyota-UK)
Title: Managing director (GM Manufacturing
Operations at Toyota-UK)
Headquarters: Greater Cheshire West and
Chester Area
Year Founded: OPEX Performance Solutions was
founded in 2019
Company Type: Privately Held
Practice Areas: OPEX Performance
Solutions exists to help organizations achieve their true
potential. Through the provision of coaching, mentoring and
consulting services we aim to add significant value to your current
operations. We bring practical hands on experience, deep subject
knowledge and a passionate desire to share and make peoples working
lives richer and more rewarding.