Matthew LITTLEFIELD is co-founder and President of LNS Research; in this role, he leads the organization as it fulfills its mission of driving industrial transformation. He is also a principal analyst and contributes to research across the breadth of topics covered by the firm. LITTLEFIELD is a recognized industry expert, and an active speaker and contributing author across the breadth of industry publications, associations, and events. His passion, however, is advising manufacturing executives on Industrial Transformation and Operational Excellence. Prior to LNS, Matthew spent five years with Aberdeen Group leading its global manufacturing research practice. During that time, he authored hundreds of thought leadership reports and frequently spoke at industry events. Earlier in his career, he worked for several global manufacturing organizations in engineering and shop floor management roles. LITTLEFIELD graduated cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a BA in Economics and an MS in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research.