Tina Donikowski
Retired VP at GE
Tina Donikowski recently retired as a Senior Executive and Corporate Officer of General Electric. She was Vice President of Global Locomotive Operations at GE Transportation directing the $3B core locomotive business. Ms. Donikowski established and grew new market opportunities by extending proven GE technology into adjacent markets globally. Since being named a Corporate Officer in 2009, she was a member of Executive Management, one of 185 among the workforce of 310,000 worldwide. She also served as a member of the CEO’s staff within GE Transportation since 1998. During her tenure, Ms. Donikowski annually presented to selected members of GE’s Board of Directors and to both Buy & Sell side analysts as part of GE Investor Day.
A decisive business leader, she developed talent and engaged cross-functional teams to execute strategy at GE Transportation. In preparation for new EPA regulations for locomotive emissions, and despite the forecast of market softness, Ms. Donikowski strengthened commitment for and led execution of the strategic plan, which increased profits 18%. GE Transportation was first-to-market with a Tier 4 locomotive that met strict emissions standards: achieving record orders of $4B, selling out the factory with multi-year agreements one year in advance of the launch, and capturing majority market share.
Ms. Donikowski led GE Transportation’s Propulsion and Specialty Services (P&SS) business from 1999 to 2012. Her entrepreneurial approach within GE’s traditional matrix structure allowed Ms. Donikowski to foster innovation and lead profitable initiatives. Under her leadership gross yearly sales increased from $200M to $1B. For the Marine business, locomotive engine technology was redeployed for use in workboats such as offshore supply vessels, tugboats and ferries, growing that business from a start up to $100M. She also conceived and led GE Transportation’s entry into advanced battery technology for energy storage by securing the $150M initial funding from Corporate Management. She defined and executed the launch strategy including construction and commissioning of a new high-tech factory.
Ms. Donikowski began her career with GE Transportation and advanced in roles with increasing responsibility for over thirty years. She completed the GE Manufacturing Management Program and held various positions within Quality, Sourcing, Marketing, and Sales. She is certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt and led the Six Sigma initiative throughout GE Transportation, training, coaching, and mentoring 70 Black Belts to improve customer outcomes.
Ms. Donikowski currently serves on the Board of Directors of Atlas Copco AB, CIRCOR, International and Eriez. She also serves on the Board of Trustees of Gannon University and the Erie Boys & Girls Club. Ms. Donikowski earned a B.S. in Industrial Management from Gannon University in 1985 and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Gannon in 2011. She and her husband have two sons and live in Erie, Pennsylvania.
