Jeffrey K. Liker

Jeffrey K. Liker is an American professor, engineer, and author, who has written dozens of books on Lean and quality management. He has worked extensively in the area of improving the productivity of manufacturing businesses, and is an authority on the Toyota Production System. He currently holds an executive position at the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering and is the president of Liker Lean Advisors LLC, a consulting company.

Liker was born and raised in the Midwest. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Army and served in Vietnam. He then attended Northwestern University, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering and an MBA. After working in positions such as production manager and president of a consulting firm, he returned to Northwestern University to pursue a doctorate in industrial engineering. His dissertation focused on understanding the Toyota Production System.

In 2003, Liker published his first book titled The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World’s Greatest Manufacturer. This book was the first to provide an in-depth look into the company’s operations, and it quickly became a best-seller. It was also influential in popularizing the term “Lean Manufacturing” and in introducing the concept of “Continuous Improvement” to Western companies. In the years since, Liker has written several follow up books focused on Lean Manufacturing, including Toyota Culture: the Heart and Soul of the Toyota Way, The Toyota Way Fieldbook, and Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation.

In addition to his work as an author, Liker has also been an advisor to companies like General Motors and Caterpillar, helping them implement Lean Manufacturing principles. He is also a sought-after speaker and regularly gives lectures at universities and conferences on the topics of continuous improvement and lean innovation.

Throughout his career, Liker has been an avid advocate for sustainability and green initiatives. He is an active supporter of the National Wildlife Federation and the Sierra Club, and has been involved in creating campaigns and initiatives to reduce manufacturing waste and emissions.

Liker has been honored with numerous awards, including the distinguished career award from the Institute of Industrial Engineers, the business person of the year by the American Society of Quality, the Medal of Honor from the Japan Institute of Plant Management and the “Arrow” award from the Japan Automotive Research Institute.

Jeffrey K. Liker is an internationally recognized expert on lean manufacturing and quality management. His books and lectures have helped countless businesses improve productivity and quality, while also emphasizing the importance of sustainability and green initiatives. His work has had a major impact on the field of industrial engineering, and he has inspired and encouraged generations of engineers and business people to embrace continuous improvement and lean manufacturing.