Jeffrey Lear
Reston
Summary
Results-driven leader skilled in products & strategy for vehicles. Experience includes guiding cross-functional teams to achieve timely execution and alignment with market demands, resulting in successful product launches and enhanced customer engagement.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director, Product & Strategy
Volkswagen of America, Inc
Reston
10.2023 - Current
- Developed and presented future strategies to executives, ensuring cross-functional alignment and proactive identification of roadblocks.
- Led product positioning and design brief development for EVs, driving lifecycle management and regional alignment.
- Owned and communicated product roadmap while defining derivative concepts aligned with corporate goals.
- Identified new product opportunities and led feasibility studies, recommending lifecycle optimization strategies to leadership.
- Drove consistency across carlines through effective naming strategy and trademark processes, integrating customer feedback.
- Coached and mentored direct reports, establishing performance management goals while supporting career development.
- Shaped long-term vision for infotainment, safety, and connectivity by collaborating with global teams and suppliers.
- Participated in high-level meetings, preparing strategic proposals for board-level alignment across NAR and HQ.
Product Manager NAR, EVs
Volkswagen of America
Herndon
10.2018 - 10.2023
- Managed EV projects and milestone timelines to ensure timely deliverables from Sales & Marketing perspective.
- Led and coached team of Product Specialists, aligning customer requirements with project objectives across U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
- Drove strategic planning for future EV models, focusing on segments, positioning, pricing, and offers.
- Developed and managed strategic direction for ID.4, ID.7, and ID. Buzz from inception to launch and lifecycle.
- Established design vision in collaboration with Design department for color and trim based on customer insights.
- Coordinated cross-functionally with marketing, finance, and sales to achieve organizational success.
- Guided organization on key project decisions for responsible vehicles and market segments.
- Served as product expert for internal and external stakeholders, including business partners and media.
Senior Product Specialist, Small Cars & EVs
Volkswagen of America
Herndon
01.2016 - 10.2018
- Guided organization as EV expert in future segments and requirements.
- Developed strategic planning for initial phase of MEB-based vehicles in key US segments.
- Delivered customer and segment requirements for T-Roc investigation and planning.
- Defined run-out strategy for Beetle, incorporating special model strategy and Final Edition MY19.
Product Specialist, Compact SUV
Volkswagen of America
Herndon
04.2014 - 12.2015
- Developed strategic framework for second-generation Tiguan, boosting U.S. sales performance.
- Refined competitive positioning, pricing, and offer of second-generation Tiguan.
- Managed phase-out planning for MY16/17 Tiguan during peak sales period.
Product Information Specialist
Volkswagen of America
Herndon
06.2013 - 04.2014
- Developed Model Year Change Process to ensure timely milestone deliverables.
- Updated sales configuration for U.S. portfolio in collaboration with product planners, achieving high accuracy.
- Communicated upcoming Model Year changes to internal stakeholders, fostering alignment.
Pricing & Cost of Ownership Specialist
Volkswagen of America
Herndon
07.2012 - 06.2013
- Analyzed current and historical competitive pricing strategies to inform lifecycle actions.
- Coordinated implementation of new price monitoring tool to enhance tracking accuracy.
- Supported cross-functional cost of ownership team by identifying opportunities to reduce expenses.
Product Specialist
Karen Radley Acura & Volkswagen
Woodbridge
06.2006 - 06.2012
- Educated customers on vehicle features and benefits.
- Managed inventory of vehicles and accessories efficiently.
- Maintained up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and competitor products.
Education
Master of Science - Applied Information Technology, Intelligence Technologies
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA12.2012
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology, Web Design & Development, Business
George Mason University
Fairfax05.2011
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Product lifecycle management
- Market analysis
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Customer insights
- Vehicle positioning
- Pricing strategy
- Effective communication
Affiliations
- Cooking
- Travel
- Cars
Timeline
Director, Product & Strategy
Volkswagen of America, Inc
10.2023 - Current
Product Manager NAR, EVs
Volkswagen of America
10.2018 - 10.2023
Senior Product Specialist, Small Cars & EVs
Volkswagen of America
01.2016 - 10.2018
Product Specialist, Compact SUV
Volkswagen of America
04.2014 - 12.2015
Product Information Specialist
Volkswagen of America
06.2013 - 04.2014
Pricing & Cost of Ownership Specialist
Volkswagen of America
07.2012 - 06.2013
Product Specialist
Karen Radley Acura & Volkswagen
06.2006 - 06.2012
Master of Science - Applied Information Technology, Intelligence Technologies
George Mason University
Bachelor of Science - Information Technology, Web Design & Development, Business
George Mason University
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