Press Release: JR Automation, a global leader in smart manufacturing solutions, announces new roles of Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Procurement Officer as part of a matrix-based organizational change to enhance global capabilities and maintain local operations.
Under the new organizational structure, functional teams are tasked with identifying innovative technologies, capabilities, and partnerships that are needed to meet evolving industry and customer needs. Functional leadership includes the newly created roles of Chief Strategy Officer, held by Kevin Whaley, and Chief Procurement Officer, held by Doug LaCroix.
ADDITIOANL FUNCTIONAL LEADERSHIP INCLUDES:
- Takashi Nozawa, Chief Integration Officer
- Tom Rozema, Chief Revenue Officer
- Joe Shelata, Chief Financial Officer
- Swapna Soman, Chief Human Resource Officer
- Sarah Somers, Senior In-House Counsel
Functional groups are aligned across all global locations, with a focus on centers of excellence teams to deepen our expertise in core vertical markets.
“This updated structure positions us to optimize our partnerships with customers,” said Dave DeGraaf, CEO, “helping to transform manufacturing, delivering safer, smarter, and more sustainable solutions.”
In addition, five global Operations divisions, overseeing JR Automation’s 20+ locations, will continue to deliver world-class solutions, leveraging talented project teams to ensure the consistent delivery of customer solutions, on time and on budget.
OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP:
- Brian Rogus, VP Operations, Detroit
- Jason Schopp, VP Operations, Holland East
- Fernando Alonzo, VP Operations, Holland West
- Mike Sam, SVP Operations Nashville, Greenville, Salt Lake City
- Mike Bostrom, President of Operations, International
ABOUT JR AUTOMATION
For 45 years, JR Automation has been at the forefront of innovation, delivering total seamless solutions that harness advanced digital technologies to optimize manufacturing.
In 2019, JR Automation was acquired by Hitachi, Ltd.(Hitachi) to help achieve a strategic initiative of curating a group of companies with complementary knowledge. As part of that initiative, JR Automation leverages their Operational Technology (OT) expertise with Hitachi Group Company’s Informational Technology (IT) expertise to deliver an optimal solution for their customers.
JR Automation employs over 2,000 people at 20+ manufacturing facilities worldwide, serving customers across the globe in a variety of industries, including automotive, life sciences, energy storage, warehousing, and more.
ABOUT HITACHI
Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT (Information Technology), OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the 3 business sectors of “Digital Systems & Services” – supporting our customers’ digital transformation: “Green Energy & Mobility” – contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” – connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s revenues in 3 sectors for fiscal year 2023 (ended March 31, 2024) totaled 8,564.3 billion yen, with 573 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 270,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi please visit the company's website.
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