Kamil A.

Konopka
1515 E Broward Blvd, Apt. 416
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
954.770.4714
kk80c9f8@westpost.net
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/dir/kamil/konopka
SUMMARY
Project Management
Process Improvement
Business Development
Relationship Management
Dynamic multi-lingual professional with over 5 years of solid
project management / business development experience in the
financial sector with a Fortune 500 company. Results-oriented,
intrinsically motivated multi-tasker consistently exceeding
objectives and succeeding in assignments outside of his comfort
zone. U.S. and European educated team player with leadership
qualities thriving on challenges requiring holistic approach and
analytical synthesis. Well-honed business strategist experienced
with both launching new and repositioning existing products with
multiple recognitions. Proven track record of growing business
profitably and turning projects around by building coalitions
with key stakeholders (sales, upper management, etc.). Strong
cultural sensitivity to get things done and exceed in complex,
multi-site, multi-country settings.
Key qualifications include:
* Six Sigma Belt Certification
* Strategy formulation / product positioning
* US Green Card Holder
* Bilingual in English & Polish, basic Russian
* Intermediate skills in Spanish, German
* MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Western Union, Sunrise FL
2005 - Present
Leader in cross-border money transfer and a $5B Fortune 500
company with 400,000 locations worldwide together with its
Vigo and Orlandi Valuta subsidiaries.
Manager of International Implementations
2008 - present
To open new remittance channels by 'making contracts happen' for
new strategic partners and continuously improve the activation
process.
* Implemented over 25 new banking relationships across
Europe, Africa, Middle East and South Asia by training partners
on operational aspects of cooperation, which added $5M in
revenue since launch.
* Managed EMEASA network expansion consistently exceeding location
plans by 40% by prioritizing activations and developing business
strategies for new relationships (e.g. product positioning,
pricing, marketing).
* Reengineered activation process using proprietary payment
software deployed remotely at over 3,000 bank locations
(activation time cut from 45 to 20 days by eliminating process
redundancy).
Business Development and Marketing - Assistant Manager
2007 - 2008
To grow existing business profitably by directing sales
organization and positioning the product to stand out against
competitors.
* Doubled remittance volume directed to the region by applying
theoretical concepts (e.g. marketing mix, BCG matrix).
* Increased regional marketing spending to almost $1M / yr. and
managed that budget by planning activities for existing EMEA
business.
* Spearheaded external sales consultant program resulting in 3
direct reports with additional 100+ productive send agents
activated.
* Issued pricing / profitability recommendations for the overall
5,000+ US send agent network leading to 20% improvements in gross
margin.
* Directed 100+ U.S. sales team in their send agent recruitment
efforts by synthesizing facts, designing training materials and
researching competitive info leading to activation of 300+ ethnic
agents.
Senior Operations Specialist - E. Europe (Vigo)
2005 - 2007
To support growth by troubleshooting existing business operations
and devising expansion plans for the region by capitalizing on
ethnic expertise.
* Crafted product strategy for Eastern Europe with regional VP
and implemented it by adding new payout banks for Poland and
Ukraine as well as opening Romanian and C.I.S. corridors.
* Enhanced reporting and analysis of key performance indicators
for EMEASA business by designing scorecharts which aided decision
making at the top level.
* Built and managed relationships with overseas partner banks
enabling Vigo to become 'partner of choice' and grow business by
implementing new products and enhancements.
* Increased customer / agent loyalty by troubleshooting
remittance-related issues (agent reconciliation, transmission
flow, transfer availability) resulting in higher productivity
rates.
Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT
2004 - 2005
One of four universities in the Connecticut State University
System with ever-growing student enrollment and a well-respected
graduate division.
Graduate Assistant to Academic Affairs
To coordinate and promote major university events increasing
their awareness and attendance.
* Planned and executed 24 guest speaker lectures / presentations
known as University Hour bringing attendance to over 800 per
event (over 50% increase over previous years).
* Marketed the University Hour series to students and faculty by
designing posters, leaflets and internal communications to
generate interest and awareness.
* Managed logistical aspects of Commencement 2005 preparation for
over 900 students.
Academy of Agribusiness, Lomza, Poland
2002 - 2003
Private college of regional importance (ranked 15th in the
country) creating opportunities for its students through quality
education and multiple international connections.
Assistant to International Affairs
To research and establish international cooperation with other
educational institutions in Europe / US.
* Negotiated and closed three educational deals with institutions
leading to cooperation with British partners to create student
exchange programs and educational credentials transferability.
* Participated in search for strategic alliances to enhance
college reputation by creating international opportunities for
its students.
EDUCATION
Master of Science (MS) in Organizational Management, 2005
(GPA: 3.94)
Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic, CT
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Language, 2002
Catholic University of Lublin, Poland
AFFILIATIONS & ACHIEVEMENTS
Member, ODK, The National Leadership Honor Society
Member, American Marketing Association
Western Union Leader of the Pack Award - leadership qualities
Western Union Accelerator Award - professional excellence
Who's Who Among Students in American Universities Award -
outstanding academic performance