ROBERT J. CANTOW
45 Crescent Lane, Sudbury, Massachusetts 01776
(978) 460-3591 • cantowr@gmail.com
SUMMARY
High energy and results oriented supply chain executive with an exceptional record of achievement designing,
transforming and managing the execution of complex global supply chains. Accountable for worldwide strategy,
planning, logistics, manufacturing and sourcing responsibility in the medical device and biotechnology industries.
Executed demand driven supply chain transformations providing a competitive advantage that result in increased
revenue and profit. Recognized by Gartner research for designing supply chains that rank amongst the 25 top global
healthcare value chain.
EXPERIENCE
BIOGEN IDEC, Cambridge, MA
2013 – 2015
Senior Director of Supply Chain Optimization & Effectiveness
Reporting to the Senior Vice President of global supply chain. Manage the supply chain Center of Excellence,
supporting over $10B in annual sales. Scope of activities includes strategy, decision support analytics, program
management, change management, and master data management.
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Designed and led the execution of a three year supply chain transformation roadmap creating the supply chain
infrastructure required to support a $15B global biotechnology business. Led a $65M program to reengineer the
supply chain and implement an ERP. Led a project team comprised of 50 Biogen and 50 Deloitte dedicated
members. New processes and enabling technology placed a premium on visibility and collaboration as well as
speed to innovation.
Developed Center of Excellence organizational structure, which includes roles for decision support, change
management and master data. Staffed all newly created positions.
Developed advanced analytical modeling capability, enabling forecasting of new drug therapies, projected
manufacturing utilization, and risk models.
Developed and implemented supply chain functional competencies via Accenture academy to ensure people
development would allow the organization to develop a culture of continuous improvement.
BOSTON SCIENTIFIC CORPORATION, Natick, MA
1997 – 2013
Vice President of Supply Chain Operations (2006 – 2013)
Reported to senior vice president of Global Operations and Technology. Managed 42 global fulfillment centers
supporting over $8.0 B in annual sales. Scope of activities includes distribution, warehousing, kitting, transportation,
and customer service.
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Created global distribution strategy, defining a vision for global network footprint, technology platforms, value
added services, operational excellence, agility, and team building and development.
Developed International supply chain infrastructure to support 50% annual growth in China, India, and Brazil.
Integrated newly developed operations into an optimized global supply chain network. Design resulted in 15%
cost reduction, 20% inventory reduction, enhanced quality and regulatory compliance, and improved customer
service.
Initiated joint value creation process in partnership with corporate sales team. Pilots with key customers
identified process improvements and new service offerings, resulting in revenue growth, differentiation in the
marketplace, and more profitable, integrated, and collaborative relationships.
Received J.D. Powers and Northface awards for excellence in customer service.
Implemented Lean in operations, providing 10% space, 50% cycle time, and 5% annual cost reductions.
Remediated all deficiencies cited in August 2005 FDA site warning letter issued to US fulfillment center.
Co-chaired clinical supply chain optimization initiative. Project developed ability to perform trials outside the
US, improved inventory availability/visibility, lowered cost/trial, and improved track/trace capability.
Identified and validated external partner to support complex trials.
Robert J. Cantow
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Group Vice President of Supply Chain (2000 – 2006)
Reported to the executive vice president and group president for the Endosurgery business unit. This unit generates
revenue in excess $1.6 billion in sales. Global responsibility for all aspects of supply chain.
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Introduced advanced supply chain modeling to optimize end-to-end supply chain design. Identified and
quantified efficient frontier of current supply chain configuration. Identified alternate configurations, enabling a
doubling of inventory turns.
Implemented DP and SNP modules of SAP – APO platform. Created rapid optimal alignment between supply
and demand.
Chairman of the Supply Chain council charted with defining and implementing worldwide supply chain policy.
Cross-functional project management responsibility for acquisition integration. Successfully launched PMA
product, gaining 30% market share in three months.
Vice President of Supply Chain (1999 – 2000)
Reported to division president. Global responsibility for all aspects of M$650 division’s supply chain.
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Managed two-year engagement with McKinsey & company consulting transforming the supply chain into
world-class, demand-driven supply chain network. Developed and implemented best-in-class globally
integrated supply chain systems and processes.
Developed and staffed newly created organization emanating from supply chain redesign.
Director of Materials Management, Manufacturing Plant – Wayne, NJ (1997 – 1999)
Divisional responsibility for all aspects of materials planning, purchasing, warehousing, and distribution.
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Implemented Product Delivery modules of SAP. Validated system functionality. Populated key master data
fields. Designed customized reports, including S&OP, low stock, and forecast accuracy.
Improved service level and lead-time through the implementation of a responsive supply chain process.
General management responsibility for $10.0 million OEM business unit. Responsible for sales, marketing, and
operational execution.
W. R. GRACE, NATIONAL MEDICAL CARE, Rockleigh, NJ
1995 – 1997
Director of Materials Management
Materials oversight of four manufacturing plants and 11 distribution centers with responsibilities encompassing
forecasting, master scheduling, raw material purchasing, inventory, and capacity planning. Procurement of operating
supplies, pharmaceuticals, and capital equipment for 600 dialysis clinics.
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Completed business modeling process and initial phase of Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP II) system
implementation using BPCS software.
Achieved 15% inventory reduction through improved forecast accuracy, introduction of sales and operations
planning process, and re-engineering of materials department.
Identified and implemented programs yielding 5% cost reduction of $385M annual purchases.
AMERICAN CYANAMID, World Headquarters, Wayne, NJ
Medical Division – Acquired by Pfizer in 2000
1982 – 1995
Division Purchasing Manager (1993 – 1995)
Responsible for worldwide procurement of raw materials, services, and capital equipment. Developed procurement
strategies in partnership with senior management on location in Europe, Japan, and the U.S.
Manager of Manufacturing Planning (1991 – 1993)
Relocated 50% of the manufacturing operations to reduce cost while maintaining 98% customer service levels.
Manager Global Needle Logistics, Manufacturing Plant – Danbury, CT (1989 – 1991)
Responsible for developing a worldwide needle sourcing strategy integrating external sourcing with internal
manufacturing. Negotiated supply agreements with suppliers on site in the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
Production Manager (1986 – 1989)
Robert J. Cantow
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Responsible for manufacturing surgical needles, including all aspects of production from raw materials to finished
product. Supervised seven managers and 80 hourly employees in five departments.
Project Engineer (1985 – 1986)
Responsible for all facets of projects in surgical device manufacturing and environmental and loss prevention.
Manufacturing Supervisor (1982 – 1985)
Supervised 25 hourly employees in the operation of an extrusion line and surgical scrub sponge packaging line.
EDUCATION
MBA, General Management, UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT (1986)
BS, Chemical Engineering, UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT (1982)
Awarded American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification
Awarded Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) Certification
PUBLIC SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
2015 European LogiPharama – Implementing an end-to-end supply chain transformation for a rapidly expanding
Biotech (Biogen)
2012 Gartner HealthCare Conference – Boston Scientific’s approach to designing a global supply network to meet
unique customer requirements and create a patient-focused supply chain.
2010 GHX Conference – Creating a Joint Value Chain Pilot Co presented with BJC Healthcare System
2008 AMR Supply Chain Executive Conference – Best in Breed Inventory Management
2005 SAP’s National Sapphire Conference– Inventory Optimization
2004 National Council of Logistics Management Conference – Achieving Operational Excellence
Quoted in the Harvard Business Review – Driving the Supply Chain into Your Customer’s Business