Zeljko Rakic

Zeljko Rakic

Master Black Belt

I am Multi-lingual Business Excellence and Operational Leader with extensive global experience in mining and chemical industry.

After obtaining Mechanical Engineer diploma at the University of Belgrade back in 1991, I started my professional career in The Netherlands, Europoort area of Rotterdam and spent 9 years at Caldic Europoort B.V. managing Formaldehyde, Paraformaldehyde and Hexamethylenetetramine production.
Very often, thinking back about all the exciting challenges we were facing in developing and optimising new production processes back then, I am very sorry I did not master Lean Six Sigma methodology at the time. It would have made a huge difference.

I got introduced to Lean Six Sigma in 2004, once I was working for Alcan’s Aluchemie B.V. in Rotterdam where I obtained my 1st Green Belt certificate. It was the love at the first site as they say and Black Belt, Continuous Improvement Champion, Master Black Belt training and certifications was following in the years to come.
Since 2007, I am Certified Master Black Belt (DMAIC and DFLSS) that successfully implemented business improvement strategies in manufacturing operations, R&D, financial services end Safety – Health and Environment function.

My Lean Six Sigma capabilities also brought me to Canada, to Montreal, Alcan’s head office where I had a great pleasure to work in many different departments solving a wide range of different kind of problems in big, reputable Multi-National Rio Tinto. It is a great privilege that Black Belts have in their job, opportunity to work on a wider range of different problems and get the 360-degree view of the business.

As a result of active Lean Six Sigma approach in those different areas of the mining business, I developed experience in Change Leadership and Transformations in both manufacturing and transactional business environment. As for myself and my students, I focus on continuous development of negotiation skills and hands-on attitude as a key enabler to work effectively and communicate with all levels of the organisation. For successful Black Belt practitioner, communication is the key.

Due to my working experience developed in The Netherlands, Canada, France, UK, Australia and Serbia, I am fluent in (English, Dutch, Serbian and French).

It has been an exciting journey altogether, driven by a passion for Lean Six Sigma. I am looking forward to transferring my knowledge and excitement to students in countries across the world and being a member of The Lean Six Sigma Company provided me with the best opportunity to do so.

Latest updates

Read the latest blog articles from Zeljko Rakic.

No posts were found. Sorry!