Roger Shahnazarian is a distinguished global manufacturing executive whose four-decade career reflects a rare combination of operational mastery, transformational leadership, and an unwavering commitment to organizational excellence. With more than 42 years of experience spanning medical devices, medtech, electronics, industrial manufacturing, and automotive technologies, he has built and led high-performing operations across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the United States. His journey is defined not only by the scale of the global networks he has overseen, but by the profound and lasting impact he has had on the people, cultures, and organizations he has transformed.
From the earliest days of his career, Roger cultivated a deep understanding of how manufacturing organizations function at their best—through disciplined processes, empowered teams, and a culture anchored in accountability and continuous improvement. This philosophy would shape every leadership role he later assumed, enabling him to reverse underperforming operations, streamline complex networks, and elevate manufacturing performance in some of the world’s most competitive sectors.
In his current role as Vice President of Global Manufacturing at East West Manufacturing, Roger continues to demonstrate his ability to drive strategic clarity and operational discipline across large, multifaceted environments. Within his first year, he successfully rationalized the factory network, strengthened leadership capability across key sites, and implemented enterprise systems that improved transparency and efficiency. His work establishing a long-range plan to modernize operations underscores his instinct for building sustainable foundations rather than short-term fixes.
Prior to joining East West Manufacturing, Roger served as Vice President of Global Manufacturing at Stryker, one of the world’s leading medical technology companies. There, he led a vast 46-site network comprising more than 12,000 employees and delivered transformational results across productivity, quality, safety, and network optimization. He reshaped leadership teams, digitized manufacturing floors, advanced SAP-driven intelligence systems, and oversaw the consolidation of 17 global sites without customer disruption—achievements that together generated sustained cost reductions and a stronger, more agile global manufacturing ecosystem.
During his tenure at Jabil, Roger held multiple vice president roles across the Americas and Europe, overseeing up to 23 factories and guiding operations through periods of intense structural change. He consistently delivered outsized results by elevating regional leadership, driving automation strategies, aligning factories to customer demand, and improving labor efficiency across geographically diverse sites. His ability to negotiate with stakeholders ranging from government bodies to union leadership reflects his sophisticated understanding of global operations and multicultural business environments.
Roger’s longest corporate chapter began at Pulse Electronics, where he spent 24 years shaping the company’s manufacturing strategy, driving operational excellence, and integrating more than 30 acquisitions. He launched greenfield operations across Asia, orchestrated major product transfers, negotiated with international labor groups, and developed a supply chain ecosystem capable of supporting large-scale global production. It was here that he refined many of the leadership principles that would later define his executive brand: transparency, cultural awareness, strategic patience, and a deep respect for frontline teams.
Across every stage of his career, Roger has been recognized for his ability to articulate a clear vision and guide organizations through ambiguity. He is known for instilling confidence during periods of change, building cultures rooted in discipline and continuous learning, and ensuring that teams not only understand the “what” of operational strategy, but the “why” behind each initiative. His leadership presence is calm yet authoritative, grounded in experience yet open to innovation—an approach that has earned him trust across global teams, boardrooms, and operational environments.
Roger’s international expertise spans Asia, Europe, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Ireland, Poland, Hungary, the United Kingdom, and Mexico, giving him a global perspective that few executives possess. His work with diverse cultures and regulatory landscapes has strengthened his ability to see around corners, anticipate risks, and build frameworks that scale across both mature and emerging markets. This global fluency forms a core part of the value he brings as an advisor and board candidate.
Today, as he approaches the next chapter of his professional life, Roger remains deeply motivated to share his extensive knowledge in support of organizations navigating growth, transformation, and operational complexity. Although he continues to lead at the highest level, his aspiration to serve on corporate boards reflects a desire to convert decades of experience into long-term strategic value. Having once been offered a board seat that he was prevented from accepting due to employer restrictions, he remains determined to contribute meaningfully where his judgment, insight, and global perspective can accelerate organizational success.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Roger maintains a lifelong passion for swimming, running, biking, and sports, grounding him in balance and personal discipline. His leadership style mirrors these pursuits—steady, focused, and driven by a commitment to improvement. His academic background, including an Advanced Management Program from Harvard Business School, an MBA from the University of San Diego, and dual engineering degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, further reinforces the analytical and operational rigor he brings to every role.
Character:
Roger leads with integrity and authenticity, consistently demonstrating a deep respect for the individuals and teams he serves. He approaches every challenge with steadiness and discipline, ensuring that decisions are guided by fairness and long-term organizational health. His resilience in navigating global complexities and major transformations reflects a personal commitment to doing what is right, not what is easy.
Knowledge:
His extensive experience across diverse industries and global markets provides him with a comprehensive understanding of operational systems, manufacturing strategy, and organizational dynamics. He possesses a unique ability to translate complex data into actionable insights that drive measurable improvements. His mastery of both technical and leadership disciplines allows him to bridge strategy and execution seamlessly.
Strategic:
Roger excels at seeing the broader landscape and anticipating how operational, financial, and cultural components must align for success. He consistently designs long-range plans that balance innovation with practical execution, ensuring sustainability beyond immediate gains. His strategic orientation is grounded in clarity, adaptability, and an unwavering focus on organizational outcomes.
Communication:
His leadership is defined by clear, direct, and empathetic communication that empowers teams and unifies stakeholders. He articulates vision with precision, ensuring alignment across global networks and complex organizational structures. His ability to listen deeply and convey purpose creates trust, engagement, and a shared commitment to excellence.
