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Strategic Planning + Delivery

Created the strategic plans for diverse, private sector companies (telecommunications, software technology, entertainment, digital advertising), education (Centennial College corporate training) and federal government (Industry Canada), encompassing strategic partnership agreements, facilitating C-level presentations to potential investors and strategic partners. 

Provided strategic and innovative leadership to promote Centennial College’s corporate training and business consulting to international business, governments and educational institutions resulting in a return to profitability and training delivery in 24 additional countries. 

Directed the executive team of a multi-national entertainment company in the development and implementation of a strategic plan contributing toward a $31.2M sales/$18.1M profit increase.

Identified and analyzed strategic investment opportunities with a probable high ROI and potential for TSX listing. Conducted due diligence, negotiated investment banking terms and fees and led closing negotiations.

Partnered with the CEO to strategically reposition the Canadian Marketing Association resulting in an increase of 8% in membership dues in the first year and a further 56% leap over the next five years.

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Operations Management + Consulting

Grew a fibre-optics/software modelling and simulation start-up company: Growth of revenues by 642%, gross margins from 19% to 83%, staff from 7 to 49 (18 months). Negotiated sale of company to a European strategic partner for US$22M plus equity; secured a $2M investment from Canadian venture capital firm (as U.S. parent filed for bankruptcy).

Initiated turnaround of numerous companies/departments:
* Executive training (international/domestic operations): increased revenue 104%, profit $1.8M, established new business in 28 countries, reduced headcount 84%, shuttered 5 facilities.

* Managed the turnaround of a community newspaper: installation of policies and procedures, reengaging with clients, establishing an effective sales force, instilling financial acumen and human resources initiatives.

Increased revenue 38%, improved sales staff productivity 24% at a direct marketing printing company. Established a Joint Venture company, launching a new product increasing revenue by $8.4M.

Developed financial and presentation materials for use by an investment bank in the proposed sale of a telecommunication company's spectrum and broadcast license. Steered the company through a $450 million business critical litigation claim against Inukshuk.

Negotiated terms and assisted in the acquisition of JumpTV (global IPTV company). Created and executed strategic plan as COO, Corporate Secretary and Board Director, steering the company towards five-fold revenue growth and a Canadian and international IPO—providing early investors a ROI exceeding 1500%.

Negotiated purchase of controlling stakes in five companies, all subsequently listed on the TSX Venture Exchange.

Developed and implemented a financial review process at General Motors’ car plant resulting in an 11% reduction in indirect manufacturing costs.

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Business Development

Secured 9 new corporate contracts during first 30 months, managing operations in 40+ international locations. Travelled 10-12 months of the year to Singapore, Middle East, North Africa, Australia, Europe, South Africa, India, China, Japan, and Philippines, (while based in Toronto and Dubai).

Participated in the Governor General of Canada’s 2014 state visit to India, showcasing corporate training offered by post-secondary educational institutions from Canada leading to corporate training opportunities with new clients and industries.

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Government Relations

Aided in the creation, presentation and implementation of FedDev’s $700M strategic plan. Spearheaded initiatives focusing on entrepreneurs, small and mid-sized businesses, and financial intermediaries, resulting in improved correlation of government funds and growth in economic development.

Engaged in new relationships with government officials (trade commissioners at Canadian Embassies in foreign countries, provincial/federal ministries in Canada) that were instrumental in providing privileged access to foreign governments, key business leaders and decision-makers.  

Collaborated with internal departments, provincial and municipal governments, academic institutions and various trade and business councils to cultivate programs to stimulate economic development for small and medium-sized businesses in Southern Ontario. 

“”

A cool head under pressure, superb analytical skills and an amazing ability to discuss even complicated business transactions in layperson's terms - these are the attributes that come to mind when I think of John Fekete.

– NEIL HRAB, Communications, Corporate Writing,
Issues Management, Speechwriting, Media Relations