Operations Excellence Academy: Developing Leaders for What’s Next

The Timken Company keeps mission-critical applications running across growth industries like automation and commercial aviation, where efficiency and reliability are crucial. Strong performance starts with talented people who can lead, adapt and continuously improve how solutions are delivered to customers — achieved through a relentless focus on operations and execution.

At a time when companies are competing intensely to attract and develop the next generation of operations leaders, the Timken Operations Excellence Academy reflects the company’s commitment to developing talent from within alongside continued modernization of its operations in a rapidly changing manufacturing environment. The program helps emerging professionals build global experience and operational insight that supports long-term innovation, performance and customer service.

Originally established in 2001 with a focus on North American production, the Operations Excellence Academy now brings together participants from multiple regions and businesses across the company’s global footprint. It emphasizes operating in an Industry 4.0 environment, building strong cross-functional networks and extending development through mentorship — all while helping prepare leaders to support Timken’s disciplined approach to scaling its operating system across the company. For employees, that creates a meaningful path to grow in a highly skilled field that plays a vital role in the future of manufacturing. For customers, it signals that Timken is investing in the leadership capability and operational strength needed to meet evolving demands for years to come.

Preparing leaders to think beyond their roles

Academy participants are provided many opportunities to step outside their current responsibilities and see the business through a broader leadership lens. Through classroom learning, business simulations and visits to strategic Timken manufacturing, distribution and repair facilities, they gain a deeper understanding of how operational decisions connect to business performance, customer expectations and long-term growth.

The program is co-led by long-time Timken leaders Scott Lamitina and Toni Mihalascu, whose experience in operations, continuous improvement and human resources helps shape a curriculum grounded in both participant development and business needs.

“The academy highlights the practical ways automation and digitization are being incorporated into the business through dynamic interactions with plant managers and engineering teams who have implemented them in their own facilities.”

Toni Mihalascu
Senior Manager – HR Operations and Total Rewards – Europe

“We instill leadership fundamentals that go beyond manufacturing,” said Lamitina, senior manager, HR operations – Americas. “It builds flexible leaders who can adapt as business priorities and customer demands change.”

That perspective carries through the curriculum. Business simulations emphasize sound business decision-making, while magnetic leadership training helps participants manage changing team dynamics, while building the presence, purpose and example needed to influence others.

The program also reinforces Timken’s focus on continuously improving its manufacturing capabilities and preparing the organization for long‑term success. It reflects an ongoing commitment to investing in modern operations and developing talent in step with the technologies shaping the future of the industry, including automation and digitalization.

“The academy highlights the practical ways modern advancements are being incorporated into the business,” said Mihalascu, senior manager – HR, operations, and Total Rewards – Europe. “Participants engage directly with plant managers and engineering teams to see how new technologies are being applied across Timken’s facilities.”

Growth and impact beyond the academy

The academy is designed to extend beyond the experience itself. At the program’s conclusion, participants share key takeaways with managers and colleagues, identify at least one best practice to apply locally, and set development goals tied to their roles.

That long-term impact is one reason the program has endured. Nearly 550 participants have completed the academy since 2002, with more than 70% advancing to operations roles with greater responsibility within four years of completing the program.

One of the academy’s most lasting benefits is the network participants build during the experience. Those relationships improve idea exchange and collaboration across plants and regions long after the program ends. In 2025, a formal mentorship experience was added as another opportunity for continuous learning and building on the relationships formed during the academy.

“Mentorship helps carry the development forward after the program ends,” said Mihalascu. “It gives participants a way to keep learning from more experienced leaders as they grow their impact, improve operations and help deliver the reliable performance our customers expect.”

As the Operations Excellence Academy approaches its 25th year, Timken continues refining the experience to reflect the changing needs of operations professionals and the customers they serve.

“That continued evolution will help us keep building leaders who can strengthen operations, execute with discipline and grow with confidence in careers that are shaping the future of manufacturing,” said Lamitina, “both at Timken and across the industry.”

Get an inside perspective on more Timken talent development programs, including Foundations of Timken Excellence for the company’s multinational sales team and the Timken Engineering Co-op Program for university-level engineering students.