Thomas Knauer

Thomas Knauer Email and Phone Number

Global Industry Manager - Robotics and Automation @ Balluff worldwide
Tiburon, CA, US
Thomas Knauer's Location
Belvedere Tiburon, California, United States, United States
About Thomas Knauer

Strategy/Marketing/Sales LeaderInnovative professional with proven experience in industrial automation and robotics ranging from startups to Fortune 10 organizations. Solid record of accomplishment generating increased market share, higher brand equity, and significant cost reductions. Extensive global exposure working with European and Asian business cultures. Fluent in German. Ability to create innovative solutions to challenging and complex situations, utilizing:• Strategic Planning• Product Management• Domestic/International Relationship Management• Marketing Planning/Execution• Process Improvement• Team Building & Leadership• Sales/Distribution Management• Business Development• Budget Management/Expense Control• AnalysisSpeaking Engagements:• 2019 Collaborative Robots Track @ The Vision Show, "Integrated Sensor Solutions For Collaborative Robot Applications"• 2019 Automate Conference, "Changing The Paradigm to Safety & Productivity"• 2018 Collaborative Robots Track @ The Vision Show, "Collaborative Robot Applications, Sensor Networks and IIoT/Industry 4.0"• 2017 Automate Conference, "Safety Sensor Technologies Enabling Closer Human-Robot Collaboration"• 2016 RoboBusiness, "Sensor Technologies to Advance Robotics Functionality"

Thomas Knauer's Current Company Details
Balluff worldwide

Balluff Worldwide

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Global Industry Manager - Robotics and Automation
Tiburon, CA, US
Thomas Knauer Work Experience Details
  • Balluff Worldwide
    Global Industry Manager - Robotics And Automation
    Balluff Worldwide
    Tiburon, Ca, Us
  • Balluff Worldwide
    Global Industry Manager - Robotics & Automation
    Balluff Worldwide Sep 2021 - Present
    Neuhausen Auf Den Fildern, Baden-Württemberg, De
    Lead, develop, coordinate and execute global factory automation industry strategy with regional and country managers.• Key segments include robotics, intralogistics, assembly machinery, factory automation and condition monitoring• Create focused and coordinated segment initiatives which include marketing (social media, website, literature, webinars, articles/blogs, events), sales tools, target accounts and training• Speaker at industry conferences on smart manufacturing/IIoT, advanced sensing, condition monitoring and human-robot collaboration
  • Balluff Worldwide
    Americas Industry Manager - Manufacturing & Plant Engineering (Mpe)
    Balluff Worldwide Jan 2019 - Aug 2021
    Neuhausen Auf Den Fildern, Baden-Württemberg, De
    Americas leader for the largest of three target industry segments, liaison between global team and country management.• Developed and executed the MPE strategy within the region, successfully adapted strategy to adjust for COVID-19: revenues exceeded 2019 levels by the end of 2020• Grew MPE business by creating/updating industry focused programs on a country-by-country basis• Programs included marketing (social media, literature, website, webinars), sales tools, target account activity, training and product development input• Primary MPE sub-segments include: metal working, general factory automation, semiconductor and life sciences
  • Balluff Inc.
    Safety Business Champion
    Balluff Inc. 2017 - 2018
    Florence, Ky, Us
    Led Balluff's Safety business in the USA and Americas.• Developed and executed strategy and business plan• Worked with Balluff field sales and channel partners to develop business in strategic market segments and at key accounts• Coordinated safety product plans and roadmaps with Global and USA Product Managers, and aligned with automation product plans, including IO-Link and non-safety sensors• Provided direct feedback on product trends and market requirements to help shape future products and services• Worked with internal and external partners to create solutions for applications in automotive, packaging, robotics, metal working, plastics/tire/rubber and other target industries• Represented Balluff on ODVA's CIP Safety group, negotiated acceptance of Balluff's CIP Safety development proposal with ODVA
  • Omron Scientific Technologies
    Vp Marketing
    Omron Scientific Technologies 2010 - 2017
    Member of Omron STI's global leadership team, led Product Management and Strategy.• Created and executed Omron’s advanced safety sensing (LIDAR, vision, infrared) and brand label (switches, mats) strategy. Focused on safety+automation solutions including mobile, articulated & collaborative robots.• Implemented design thinking/customer centered design process used on division’s major projects• Led multi-phase restructuring on schedule, shifting 40% of revenue to partner division, reducing expenses 40%, streamlining product delivery, and aligning Omron USA with global corporate structure• Drove five key initiatives to create new revenue streams, generating 25% of 2016 sales• Coordinated division activities with Americas and European sales & marketing organizations and managed development needs, sales budgets, issue resolution and launch processes• Corporate awards include: "The Omron Global Award" Gold medal, Omron STI President's Award, "The Omron Global Award - Roots Award", Omron Challenge Award
  • Parker Hannifin
    Marketing Manager
    Parker Hannifin 2005 - 2009
    Cleveland, Oh, Us
    Led the Product Management, Communications and Promotional activities for a $100 million division, managed a team of 14.• Created the product marketing launch process and assisted in implementation of the “stage-gate” development process, resulting in 45+ product launches in four years• Grew global website activity by 140% in four years and press/article appearances by 50% through advertising, press, trade show and internet marketing (SEO, PPC, e-mail) programs• Championed industry focused programs for solar, mobile/EV, semiconductor and medical/life sciences – “cleantech” sales grew 900% in three years
  • Omron Scientific Technologies
    Vp Marketing
    Omron Scientific Technologies 2000 - 2005
    Provided strategic and marketing leadership for a $55 million business, managed Product Management, Marketing Promotion, Customer Service and Technical Support (team of 20 employees).• Updated launch process and utilized a “stage-gate” process to coordinate with engineering and operations to release 50 products from 2001-2004 (up from less than 10 releases in 2000)• Increased sales leads by more than 30% through promotional programs including website, advertising, articles, press, newsletters, sales literature, trade shows and e-mail• Created European and Asian business development program covering market/competitive research, lead generation, distributor promotional campaigns, supplier alliances and local pricing
  • Need2Buy.Com
    Director/Vp International Operations
    Need2Buy.Com 2000 - 2000
    Developed International strategy for an Electronic Components on-line marketplace including adaptation of the e-commerce model for local/global needs.
  • Ge Fanuc Automation, Europe
    Manager, Hq Sales Region
    Ge Fanuc Automation, Europe 1996 - 2000
    Member of leadership team which operated a $100 million industrial controls business, responsible for growth in Emerging Areas.• Created and implemented the sales, marketing and business development strategy in Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa ($8 million in sales region) for an industrial controls business• Developed business in new countries: set up offices, created partnerships and sourced customers, attaining double-digit growth in 1998 and 1999
  • Ge Fanuc Automation, North America
    Headquarters & East Region Sales Manager
    Ge Fanuc Automation, North America 1989 - 1996
    Promoted through progressive levels of responsibility and multiple functions, culminating in leadership positions: Finance/Accounting, Strategy, Product Management and Sales.• Developed strategy and managed commercial relations with co-parent FANUC of Japan• Led crisis teams on Yen/$ fluctuation and excess inventory, reduced inventory by $2.5 million• Guided a mature product to record sales in 1994, 12% over stretch target and 120% above 1991

Thomas Knauer Education Details

  • University Of Virginia Darden School Of Business
    University Of Virginia Darden School Of Business
    Mba
  • Ucla
    Ucla
    Math / System Science

Frequently Asked Questions about Thomas Knauer

What company does Thomas Knauer work for?

Thomas Knauer works for Balluff Worldwide

What is Thomas Knauer's role at the current company?

Thomas Knauer's current role is Global Industry Manager - Robotics and Automation.

What schools did Thomas Knauer attend?

Thomas Knauer attended University Of Virginia Darden School Of Business, Ucla.

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