David Diatikar

I led the redesign of Citizens Bank’s Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) process, mapping all stages from application to closing. I identified and resolved inefficiencies, including defects, bottlenecks, and capacity issues, significantly improving throughput and customer experience. My work ranked first among the bank’s top five Enterprise IT portfolio projects for delivering measurable business value.

The reengineered process is projected to achieve a 99% reduction in defects, a 67% reduction in FTE hours tied to non-value-added work, and an 86% reduction in cycle time—cutting the average processing duration to five days. These improvements are expected to yield over $8 million in cost savings. My leadership enabled a scalable, efficient HELOC operation aligned with compliance and service goals.

As part of a strategic transformation initiative for Toronto Dominion Insurance (TDI), I led the development of end-to-end value stream maps across eight Canadian claims lines of business. I collaborated directly with TDI leadership to negotiate project scope and deliverables, established the methodology, and trained the project team on Lean principles to ensure consistent execution.

I spearheaded discovery activities to surface key process gaps and led the design of collaborative, roll-paper workshops to build and validate current-state maps. These sessions captured immediate, short-term, and long-term pain points, while also revealing duplicate processes across lines of business. I proposed actionable strategies to eliminate redundancy and standardize operations, improving efficiency and customer service alignment.

Deliverables included annotated process maps, Excel documentation, and phased roadmaps tailored to each line of business. I also supported executive presentations, ensuring that senior stakeholders clearly understood the findings, improvement opportunities, and next steps.

I led the Sturdy Controls Recovery Project, restoring client confidence and achieving removal from Ford and GM vendor watchlists. He secured full compliance with both automakers’ requirements for three new product launches, stabilizing quality and delivery performance.

To improve operational efficiency, I implemented OEE metrics in manual-paced environments, enabling real-time visibility into equipment effectiveness. I introduced Kanban inventory systems across production lines, delivery carts, and central stores, including a two-bin replenishment method to streamline material handling.

I also launched a comprehensive 5S program on Ford, GM, and machine shop lines, enhancing organization, safety, and productivity. Additionally, I designed and executed a plan-for-every-part strategy for four high-volume production lines, ensuring part traceability, optimized replenishment, and consistent material flow. These improvements delivered sustainable performance gains and ensured long-term compliance with OEM standards.

Role: Senior automotive manufacturing engineer

I served as project team leader at BorgWarner, directing the design and development of a $3.7 million lean manufacturing line based on the Toyota Production System (TPS). I led a cross-functional team to develop proprietary 2nd-generation transmission bands, reducing process steps from over 20 to 14, cutting handling by 40%, and reducing throughput time from one day to two hours.

I introduced an innovative solution to reduce variation in friction paper thickness, improving shift quality and reducing the number of required engagement pins in GM 4T60 and Ford AXOD transmissions. As a senior manufacturing line engineer, I managed over $700,000 in capital projects, including the installation of CNC machines, stamping presses, and adhesive drying systems.

I also led automation initiatives linking manufacturing cells, saving over $450,000 annually, and managed adhesive supplier selection and qualification using DMAIC, achieving OEM approval. His work integrated Kaizen, Six Sigma, and QFD methods to reduce process variability and enhance quality across complex, multi-stage operations.

I planned and executed 10 customized combat and combat service support computer simulation exercises across five states, each tailored to meet the specific objectives and operational needs of U.S. Army client units. I ensured each exercise delivered relevant, high-impact training by aligning scenarios with unit goals and deployment challenges.

I conducted detailed evaluations after each event, analyzing performance data and participant feedback to identify strengths and areas for improvement. These insights were integrated into follow-on training plans, supporting continuous improvement and enhanced readiness.

I also assessed unit deployment preparedness using exercise results, providing valuable input for leadership decision-making. I managed all aspects of logistics, resources, and scheduling to ensure timely, seamless execution. My ability to build strong, trusted relationships with unit stakeholders earned recognition for professionalism, reliability, and dedication to mission success.

As part of Verisk’s Lean Six Sigma initiative, I co-led a comprehensive Green Belt training and certification program aimed at expanding internal continuous improvement capabilities. I developed and implemented tailored training content that successfully guided multiple candidates through certification, directly enhancing the organization’s process excellence framework.

I coached 25 Green Belt candidates through the execution of their improvement projects, which collectively freed up the equivalent of 14 full-time employee (FTE) hours by eliminating inefficiencies and streamlining workflows. Additionally, I facilitated a high-impact Kaizen event that unlocked further efficiencies, freeing up to 35 FTE hours. My efforts not only delivered measurable operational gains but also built sustainable internal expertise, equipping Verisk teams to drive ongoing value through structured problem solving and performance improvement.

Led a joint civilian-military team to complete testing for U.S. Army firing tables on 155mm and 8-inch binary nerve agent rounds, overseeing planning, live firing, impact tracking, and recovery to ensure data accuracy and operational readiness.