Wouter Ditters

Responsible for driving the global strategy and execution of smart solutions and services at Hisense and Asko Appliances. Focused on digital strategy, data analytics, and smart technology integration to enhance operational efficiency and customer experiences.

Key Achievements:

• Built the Smart Solutions & Services department from the ground up, recruiting 2 digital product managers, 2 UI/UX designers, 1 business developer, and 1 data analyst.
• Created the vision, strategy, roadmap, and business model for connectivity, including apps and services for ASKO appliances.
• Managed the development of AI-powered cooking assistant DishDesigner and ASKO Connect Pro, a digital fleet management solution for professional appliances.
• Spearheaded the go-to-market launch concepts for ASKO’s participation in international fairs, including IFA in Berlin and CES in Las Vegas.

As a Global Product Manager, I led the development and execution of strategic initiatives for Ultimaker’s 3D printing solutions, collaborating with R&D and cross-functional teams to bring innovative products to international markets. I spearheaded the vision and strategy for both industrial and desktop printing solutions, creating clear value propositions and business cases. My work streamlined product development processes, reduced time-to-market, and ensured customer satisfaction while overseeing successful product launches worldwide.

Key Achievements:

• Defined the comprehensive vision, strategy, value proposition, and business case for Factor 4, a new industrial 3D printer, positioning Ultimaker for growth in the industrial sector.
• Developed a scalable platform ecosystem strategy with a long-term business model, ensuring sustainable revenue growth.
• Led the "Helping Hospitals Save Lives" project during the COVID-19 crisis, utilizing Ultimaker’s 3D printing capacity to aid healthcare providers.
• Created data-driven strategies for new desktop 3D printing solutions, based on a self-initiated customer research project, strengthening Ultimaker's presence in the desktop market.

Managed premium kitchen and laundry brands for Hisense Group, including ASKO (Swedish – Global) and ATAG (Dutch – Benelux), overseeing product management, innovation, design, marketing, and training strategies.

Held end-to-end responsibility for global product management, design, marketing, product training, and certification teams, spread across the Netherlands and Sweden (21 FTE, 8 direct reports).
Reported directly to the Hisense International management board and served as a key member of the management team.

Key Achievements:

• Formulated and implemented strategy-on-a-page plans with team members, ensuring a clear, focused, and aligned direction.
• Developed a personal growth tool using a SWOT matrix to support individual development within the team.
• Achieved a 30% reduction in product complexity (reducing SKUs from 900 to 600) within 6 months, a key strategic initiative of the management board.
• Created a mid- to long-term digital product and services roadmap for future development.

Managed the global product strategy and innovation roadmap for high-end kitchen appliances under the ASKO brand, sold worldwide. Held full responsibility for the global product management team, which encompassed product management, certification, and training (3 FTE). Acted as deputy to the Product Director and contributed to the broader management team.

Key Achievements:

• Developed and implemented a global market-based pricing model to ensure a competitive and sustainable pricing strategy.
• Led the product definition, lineups, and training for key international trade fairs, including Salone del Mobile in Milan and IFA in Berlin.
• Executed the Go-To-Market strategy for a groundbreaking kitchen solution, driving its successful launch.
• Organized a global product management event in Berlin, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration to develop a forward-looking product strategy with local markets.
• Created and introduced a pre-development process and strategy that enhanced mid- and long-term innovation initiatives.