Thomas Knauer Email & Phone Number

Tiburon, Ca, Us

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

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

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

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

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

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

Developed International strategy for an Electronic Components on-line marketplace including adaptation of the e-commerce model for local/global needs.

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

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

Mba

Bs, Math / System Science