David Drewry
Tinley Park,IL
Summary
IT Director with 20+ years leading enterprise modernization across $1.5B–$15B manufacturing environments. Expert in ERP transformation (SAP, Epicor, Infor), cloud migration, data strategy, AI, Security, and large-scale analytics enablement. Known for building high-performing IT organizations, establishing governance frameworks, and delivering $40M+ in business value through operational automation, portfolio optimization, and intelligent data platforms. Proven partner to executive leadership, aligning technology strategy with growth, operations, and M&A priorities.
IT professional equipped with comprehensive experience in managing complex IT infrastructures and leading technology initiatives. Proven ability to drive innovation and efficiency within large-scale organizations. Known for collaborative approach and dedication to achieving operational excellence, while adapting to evolving business needs. Skilled in network security, systems integration, and team leadership.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director of Information Technology
MENASHA CORPORATION
Neenah, WI
01.2014 - Current
- Lead enterprise technology strategy, innovation governance, and digital transformation for a $1.6B manufacturer with 35 production facilities, driving measurable business impact and modernization.
- Built and led organizational structure of 5 direct reports (data, development, security, architecture) with extended teams of 15+ engineers through cloud transition projects.
- Led enterprise infrastructure and cloud modernization initiative—including server and network redesign, onboarding MSP provider, and AWS migration—improving uptime, security posture, and operational resilience across 35 production facilities.
- Led end-to-end ERP and supply chain modernization (SAP S/4HANA, Epicor, WMS, eCommerce, API/EDI), generating $20M+ in enterprise value through throughput gains, forecast accuracy improvements, and reduced operating costs.
- Integrated Menasha/Orbis systems into customer supply chains, enabling vertical integration and real-time inventory visibility for strategic accounts.
- Managed technology integration for multiple acquisitions, ensuring rapid connectivity, security, and master data alignment.
- Launched enterprise GEN AI technology – review under Selected Achievements.
- Worked with the General Manager of Operations to evaluate and install Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) that integrated with the machines at the sites and tracked downtime, waste, and finished material produced by each machine. This led to improved machine efficiency by 13% and reduced controllable waste by 18% ($281,000).
- Streamlined application portfolio and established Business Solutions structure, reducing cycle times and delivering $125K+ in annual savings.
IT Director Business Solutions
ROCK-TENN
01.1991 - 01.2014
- Directed enterprise systems modernization and technology integration for a $15B packaging and paper manufacturer, ensuring alignment of technology strategy with global business objectives.
- Orchestrated SAP ERP and CRM deployments across 12 divisions, improving inventory accuracy by 20% and reducing planning costs by 10%.
- Led technology due diligence for 4+ acquisitions, consolidating systems and accelerating integration within 90 days post-close.
- Implemented enterprise analytics platforms supporting R&D, financial forecasting, and performance monitoring.
- Partnered with business units to define technology roadmaps aligned with corporate strategy—recipient of the President’s Award for Strategic Leadership.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Information Systems
Elmhurst College
Elmhurst, IL05.1987
Skills
- Strategic Leadership: IT Strategy, Enterprise Architecture, Digital Transformation, Governance & Compliance, Risk Management
- Cloud & Infrastructure: AWS, Azure, Cloud Migration, Zero Trust Architecture, Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
- Data & Analytics: Data Strategy, Predictive Analytics, AI/ML Enablement, Data Governance, Power BI, Snowflake
- Enterprise Systems: SAP S/4HANA, SAP ECC, MES, EPICOR, EPS, INFOR, JD Edwards
- Innovation & Development: Emerging Tech Evaluation, Vendor Partnerships
- Excellent communication
- IT infrastructure management
- IT budgeting
- Project management
- IT governance
- Data analytics
- Information security
- Enterprise architecture
- Cybersecurity
- Information technology management
- Big data management
- IT strategy alignment
- Business continuity planning
- Enterprise-class IT planning
- IT strategy development
- Teamwork and collaboration
Accomplishments
- As part of Business Transformation initiatives, delivered $40M+ financial impact through ERP modernization, cloud BI transformation, Shop Floor Integration, Distribution Center and Warehouse Management, and enterprise automation.
- Responsible for enterprise data analytics and AI initiatives, including predictive analytics, demand forecasting, and machine learning adoption in operations.
- Launched enterprise innovation program accelerating adoption of GEN AI, reducing process time by 25% across multiple business areas.
- Governed master data, metadata, lineage, access, and compliance; introduced self-service analytics to 2,500+ users across 35 facilities.
- Consolidated 45→15 enterprise applications, reducing cost by $250K and improving agility.
Certification
- Lean Leader
- Project Management Professional (PMP equivalent)
- ITIL Foundation
- SAFe 6.0 / Agile Leadership
Timeline
Director of Information Technology
MENASHA CORPORATION
01.2014 - Current
IT Director Business Solutions
ROCK-TENN
01.1991 - 01.2014
Bachelor of Science - Information Systems
Elmhurst College
Key Skills
- IT Operations – Strategic Planning – Process Improvement – Change Management – Application Management
- ERP Implementation – Project Management – Budgeting – Cost Accounting – Vendor Management – Cost Control
- Customer Relations – Cloud Computing – IT Infrastructure – Business Intelligence (BI) – Data Warehousing
- M&A Support – Disaster Recovery – Shop Floor Data Collection – Logistics – Distribution – Technology Implementation