Industrial automation
Product professionals in Industrial automation
These ten product leaders have run product management at industrial automation companies, covering products such as PLCs, sensors and industrial software. A reader can learn how automation vendors decide which features to build and what slows adoption in plants and factories.
Professionals to explore
01—10André Zivny
LinkedInExperience: Head of Product Management Center of Expertise PLC Products · ABB
Head of Product Management Center of Expertise PLC Products at ABB since 2025. The profile highlights list specialties in product management, IIoT, Industry 4.0, automation, HMIs and PLCs. Other listed roles include Head of Software Product Management at KUKA (2020–2024), Product Manager Industrial Automation at ASEM S.r.l. (2017–2020), Product Manager at Baumüller Nürnberg GmbH (2015–2017) and Product Manager - International Markets at QUNDIS GmbH (2011–2015).
Christoph Adam
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Product Management · Softing Industrial Automation
Vice President Product Management at Softing Industrial Automation since 2025. The profile headline lists Industrial Automation & AI, Industrial B2B and Deep Tech. Other listed roles include Head of Product Management Munich at SOFTING INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION GMBH (SIA) (2023–2025), HEAD OF GLOBAL PRODUCT MANAGEMENT at REMA TIP TOP AG (2019–2023), SENIOR PM & BD MANAGER at Renesas Electronics (2018–2019) and education as certified business coach and trainer and certified agile SCRUM product owner at EXIN (2017–2018).
Dieter Hille
LinkedInExperience: Senior Director Product Management Automation & Digital Products · GEA Group
Senior Director Product Management Automation & Digital Products at GEA Group since 2025. Other listed roles include Vice President Automation & Controls Separation at GEA Group (2017–2025), Head of Robotics & Motion Control at GEA Group (2015–2017), Team Lead Electronic Software Automatic Industrial Milking at GEA Group (2014–2015) and Electrical Software Engineer at GEA Group (2002–2014).
Ian Stern
LinkedInExperience: Director of Force Torque Sensor Products · ATI Industrial Automation
Former Director of Force Torque Sensor Products at ATI Industrial Automation (2020–2023). The profile highlights describe building the commercial and product engine behind industrial automation and robotics businesses. Also Director of Product Management at Novanta Inc. since 2023. Other listed roles include Force Torque Sensor Product Manager at ATI Industrial Automation (2016–2020), Senior Manufacturing Engineer at ATI Industrial Automation (2012–2016) and Production Engineer at ATI Industrial Automation (2007–2012).
John Krajewski
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Of Product Management · AVEVA
Vice President Of Product Management at AVEVA since 2021. The profile highlights describe AVEVA as a global leader in industrial software. Also Director of Product Management, HMI SCADA at AVEVA since 2000 and Director of Product Management, HMI Supervisory at Schneider Electric since 2012. Other listed roles include Sr. Product Manager HMI SCADA at Wonderware (2000–2012).
Lars Lendziewski
LinkedInExperience: Director Product Management · SICK Sensor Intelligence
Director Product Management at SICK Sensor Intelligence since 2025. The profile highlights describe industry knowledge in industrial automation and digitalization. Other listed roles include Team Leader Product Management & Technical Consulting at SICK Sensor Intelligence (2020–2025), Gruppenleiter Market Product Management Systems and Digital Solutions at SICK Sensor Intelligence (2020–2022), Product Manager Systems at SICK Sensor Intelligence (2018–2020) and Head of Product Management at PTR HARTMANN GmbH (2012–2018).
Matthias Betz
LinkedInExperience: Vice President Product Management · ifm
Vice President Product Management at ifm since 2023. The profile highlights describe ifm as an Automation Machinery Manufacturing company. Also Vice Director Development IIoT at GIB supply chain essentials since 2019 and Technischer Manager at GIB supply chain essentials since 2016. Other listed roles include System Product Manager at ifm (2020–2025) and Projektleiter at Universität Siegen (2011–2015).
Oliver Narr
LinkedInExperience: Chief Product Owner SIMATIC PLCs (SW based) & Head of SIMATIC PLC POs · Siemens
Chief Product Owner SIMATIC PLCs (SW based) & Head of SIMATIC PLC POs at Siemens since 2025. The profile highlights describe heading the group of product owners and driving the SIMATIC PLC products. Other listed roles include Project Manager - Strategic innovation virtual SIMATIC PLC at Siemens (2022–2025), Head of internal start-up Industrial Edge at Siemens (2018–2022), Head of Product Management Software Options & Cloud Business at Siemens (2017–2018) and Marketing Manager at Siemens (2014–2017).
Pankaj Lahoti
LinkedInExperience: Director Global Product Management · Emerson
Director Global Product Management at Emerson since 2025. The profile headline lists IIoT solutions, product management and industrial automation. Other listed roles include Product Leader - Industrial IoT Solutions, Pressure and Temperature MEA at Emerson (2022–2025), Business Development Manager - Corrosion Monitoring Solution - Middle East & Africa at Emerson (2020–2022), Project Pursuit Manager - Digital Transformation - Middle East and Africa at Emerson (2015–2020) and Project Pursuit and OEM Business Development Manager - India Business at Emerson (2013–2015).
Shannon Foos
LinkedInExperience: Director, Product Management - Process Control · Rockwell Automation
Former Director, Product Management - Process Control at Rockwell Automation (2023–2024). The profile highlights describe guiding manufacturers through digital transformation, with a background in industrial automation and information systems. Other listed roles include Sustainability Business Manager at Rockwell Automation (2022–2023), Technology Development Manager at Rockwell Automation (2017–2022), Business Development Manager at Rockwell Automation (2015–2017) and Portfolio Segment Manager at Rockwell Automation (2008–2015).
Choose the right perspective
Match the person's product area, such as controllers, sensors, process control or industrial software, to the decision you face. Check whether their relevant role is current or past before asking about today's platforms and buyers.
Questions to take into the conversation
- 01How did you decide which customer or system integrator requests went into the next product release?
- 02Tell me about a product that took longer than expected to be adopted in plants. What held it back, and what did you change?
- 03How did you weigh compatibility with installed systems against new features?
Reaching product professionals in Industrial automation
How can I contact one of these product professionals in Industrial automation?
Pick one of the 10 people on this page and choose "Book a paid call", or describe your project to find others. You offer a fee for a 15-minute call or a written answer, Instant Expert finds the person's work email and sends the invitation, and they decide whether to accept. The list covers 10 companies, including ABB, Softing Industrial Automation and GEA Group, based on profile data retrieved on October 1, 2026. Being listed here doesn't mean someone has agreed to take calls.
How much does it cost to reach product professionals in Industrial automation?
You choose the offer, starting at $5 per person. It includes Instant Expert's 20% fee, so an offer that pays the person $100 costs you $125. You're charged only when the person books the call or sends the answer.
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About this directory
This is a professional research starting point based on business profile data retrieved on . Titles and companies reflect that source snapshot and may describe past or present roles. Check the linked profiles for current details. Inclusion does not imply Instant Expert membership or availability.
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