Fred Mathijssen, Nike

From visual management to strategic engagement,
the evolution of an Obeya

3 years ago, the focus on Lean revealed the need for more visual management and day-to-day insight into the status and progress of the project management group within Nike Technology. The journey Nike Europe’s Tech department went through since that moment into the now, where the Obeya visualizes how Nike Tech aligns to Nike’s strategy supported by programs, our portfolio, key metrics, and a structured review process with our GEO and Global business partners – has been challenging, encouraging, fun… The journey has just begun!

Biography

As Senior Director of Technology for Nike Europe, Fred Mathijssen is responsible for leading the Technology organization in its support of Nike’s growth strategies and ensuring flawless execution of the daily “Run the business” activities. As a 15 year Nike veteran he has been General Manager of the Distribution Center in Laakdal Belgium, Head of the European Customer Support organization, responsible for the physical expansion of the Distribution Center in Belgium, globally responsible for Nike’s portfolio processes, Director of the Lean Business Enablement team, and lead numerous large programs at Nike. Prior to working at Nike he worked 17 years for Apple Computer and held various roles which included head of the European Service organization, project lead for the building of the European Distribution Center, responsible for Customer Operations, held various IT positions, and Deputy General Manager of the European Distribution Center.