Helen Zak is chief development officer at Catalysis where she oversees the European strategy, Executive Forums and strategic relationships for the organization.

With more than three decades of lean leadership experience, Zak has contributed to 15 published works on the topic of lean, as well as numerous educational programs and events. She helped establish the Lean Education Academic Network, The Lean Global Network and the Catalysis Healthcare Value Network.  She recently was inducted into the Association for Manufacturing Excellence’s Hall of Fame, which recognizes industry thought leaders and influencers who support the values, principles, and practices found within leading enterprise excellence organizations.

Zak holds a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from Marquette University and master’s degrees from Kettering University in operations management and manufacturing management, respectively.