Ken Frese

Professional Summary

Professional Overview
Ken Frese is an accomplished finance and accounting professional with over 35 years of experience in the waste management and retail industries. As the Director of Corporate Accounting & Inventory at LKQ Corporation, he leverages his extensive expertise in financial reporting, auditing, and inventory management to drive organizational efficiency and profitability.

Experience Summary

Current Role
At LKQ Corporation, Ken oversees the company's corporate accounting and inventory functions, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective internal controls, and optimal inventory levels. He has played a pivotal role in streamlining the organization's accounting processes, implementing data-driven strategies to enhance inventory management, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Ken held various leadership positions within the waste management and retail sectors. He served as an Accountant at Waste Management, where he honed his skills in financial reporting and internal auditing. Ken then transitioned to Discovery Zone, where he excelled as a Project Accounting Manager, overseeing complex financial initiatives. Later, he took on the role of Division Controller at Chemical Waste Management, leading a team of finance professionals and contributing to the company's overall financial strategy.

Academic Background
Ken holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois, where he graduated with distinction. His strong academic background, coupled with his extensive industry experience, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of financial best practices and their practical application.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial reporting and analysis

• Inventory management and optimization

• Internal controls and auditing

• Strategic financial planning and decision-making

• Team leadership and cross-functional collaboration

Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Ken has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive measurable improvements in organizational performance. At LKQ Corporation, he has implemented data-driven inventory management strategies that have resulted in a 15% reduction in inventory carrying costs and a 20% improvement in inventory turnover. His leadership in streamlining the company's accounting processes has also contributed to a 12% decrease in operating expenses.

Conclusion
With his extensive experience, technical expertise, and strategic mindset, Ken Frese is a proven finance and accounting leader who consistently delivers tangible results for the organizations he serves. As the Director of Corporate Accounting & Inventory at LKQ Corporation, he is poised to continue driving operational excellence and financial performance, positioning the company for long-term success.