John Sullivan

Partner
Fire & Security, Manufacturing, Technology
“Well done is better than well said” – Ben Franklin

About John

John has delivered top- and bottom-line results running a wide range of companies and dealing with challenges like acquisitions, lean manufacturing, supply chain optimization/low cost sourcing, new product development and brand and channel management.

John has been successful running several business units for United Technologies Co. (UTC) in the fire suppression business. As leader of UTC Fire & Security Global Fire Suppression, John headed a group of five companies that employed 1200 people around the globe and is recognized as the technology and market leader in life safety products. He also drove improvement in EBITA for Kidde-Fenwal, the largest company in Global Suppression. Earlier in his career with UTC John established the Fire Safety Services Group through six acquisitions, enabling broader participation in the installation and aftermarket servicing of fire protection equipment.

As an advisor, John has completed numerous assignments with top tier consulting companies and private equity firms in the Fire Protection and Building Automation space.

Client Results

  • Led effort for client in fire protection service space in positioning business for sale. Identified strategic acquirers and set up and coordinated assessment process. As bids from strategic purchasers were received, the incumbent provided guidance to the business owner as to what offer constituted the best value. The sale was successfully executed ten months after inception with an offer well in excess of the valuation of the business.
  • During his eleven-year tenure as president of the largest fire suppression business of Kidde plc / United Technologies, the incumbent helped improve EBIT performance from single digits to over 20%. This represented best in class performance within the industry.
  • Reflecting his commitment to customer satisfaction, the incumbent led the effort to win recognition from Boeing as Supplier of the Year for three of his four years as president of Fenwal Safety Systems.
John Sullivan

Areas of
Engagement

  • Advise private equity and other investors on industry landscape and trends and specific opportunities in the industrial safety and building automation industries and related sectors.
  • Advise on global business development and marketing strategy including opportunities in key emerging markets such as Middle East, Asia and Latin America.
  • Advise earlier stage companies on management talent development, help design/execute intellectual property strategy, other issues key to improving valuation.

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Recent Case Studies By John (Primary Author)

Recent Case Studies By John (Secondary Author)

Recent Insights By John (Primary Author)

Recent Insights By John (Secondary Author)

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